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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick appeared displeased with Matheus Cunha after directing the Brazilian forward away from his teammates’ celebrations following their 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma, according to The Sun on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
United produced an impressive recovery at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to claim a valuable win in front of their supporters. The comeback was significant after the team struggled during the first half.
Roma had established a two-goal advantage before Bruno Fernandes brought United back into contention by converting a penalty in the 58th minute. Cunha then took centre stage, scoring twice late in the match to complete the turnaround and put the hosts in front.
However, the Brazilian’s contribution was followed by a disciplinary setback. After scoring the goal that helped secure victory, Cunha removed his shirt and jumped into the stands to celebrate with United supporters. The referee cautioned him for the celebration.
His evening became more complicated in the first minute of added time when he was booked again following a late challenge. The second yellow card resulted in a dismissal, forcing United to continue with 10 players as they attempted to preserve their lead.
Despite losing Cunha, Carrick’s side held on and prevented Roma from finding an equaliser. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory, completing a comeback that had appeared difficult earlier in the contest.
Cunha later approached the pitch area as his teammates celebrated. Carrick, however, appeared to tell the forward to move away and head directly towards the dressing room rather than join the group. The incident was captured on television and attracted attention.
The striker looked frustrated while walking towards the tunnel, accompanied by a club official. Broadcast footage also appeared to show him shouting towards the pitch as he left. His reaction added another talking point to an evening in which he had been both the decisive figure and a disciplinary concern.
There was also a regulatory reason for Cunha’s absence from the on-field celebrations. Players who have been sent off must leave the vicinity of the playing area and technical zone. Consequently, he was not permitted to return to the pitch after receiving his red card, regardless of his role in securing the win.
Carrick’s wider focus after the match was on United’s response to a difficult first half. The manager said he had urged his players at half-time to stay positive and avoid allowing frustration to undermine their performance.
He also reminded the squad of Old Trafford’s reputation for memorable European nights, stressing that one decisive moment could change the course of the match. United eventually produced the response he wanted, with Fernandes’ penalty and Cunha’s two goals completing the turnaround.
Although Cunha’s dismissal created an uncomfortable end to his evening, his goals proved crucial to United’s success. Carrick will be pleased with the resilience shown by his players, while the forward’s reaction and sending-off may remain subjects of discussion after a dramatic night in Manchester that will be remembered by supporters.