Then, something unexpected happened. United achieved a rare feat, reacting efficiently to turn the game on its head after Bruno Fernandes converted his penalty before the hour mark.

The 3-2 win over Roma means United are on six points after four Champions League games. Relief was written across Carrick’s face as the referee blew the full-time whistle. His players showed character and ended a nine-match unbeaten run, despite being reduced to 10 men against the in-form Serie A side.

Youri Tielemans praised by Michael Carrick after important win over Roma

United fans saw Kobbie Mainoo and Baleba start together for the first time against Roma. The combination was short-lived as Baleba was forced off with an injury just minutes into the second half.

Baleba made way for Youri Tielemans in the 51st minute when the scoreline was 2-0. He made a positive impact in midfield as United worked harder to pin Roma back into their own half.

Moreover, United took advantage of Roma’s mistakes following the interval. Fernandes’ goal lifted the crowd that booed the players off the pitch at half-time. The comeback saw a completely different atmosphere at the end, although many supporters remained to sing chants against the ownership.

Carrick was happy with the character his players showed in the first half. He noted the impact Tielemans made as a substitute after what was his best performance in a United shirt.

“Tonight, the boys showed an awful lot,” Carrick told Amazon Prime.

“I thought we came out in the second half and, unfortunately, with Carlos [Baleba] having to go off, Youri [Tielemans] came on the pitch, and I thought he was fantastic. He showed everything that he is as a personality and as a character. He’s experienced [enough] to step into a game like that.

“The boys just went with the flow, and you could feel how positive it was. It was nice to see this place like that again.”

Tielemans and his teammates need to back this up against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Belgian international is likely to return to the line-up, with Baleba facing a lengthy spell in the treatment room.