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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will be wary of ever leaving two players out of his team again, a lesson learned from the Red Devils’ inspired second-half comeback to defeat Roma 3-2. The team were booed off the pitch at half-time, having found themselves 2-0 down after a series of defensive mistakes. But they emerged from the tunnel a different beast and swiftly put their Italian opposition to the sword.
Captain Bruno Fernandes got Old Trafford roaring when his penalty, which was initially missed but retaken due to encroachment, hit the roof of the net.
In a game of two halves, United were suddenly on top and dominated proceedings, with Matheus Cunha striking twice in the closing stages to snap their nine-match winless run before getting sent off in stoppage time.
Here, Express Sport takes a look at the two players Carrick will know he can count on as he fights for his future as manager…
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo did not have the perfect game against Roma. In fact, he was dispossessed close to the halfway line and Rodrigo Mora promptly found Matias Soule to open the scoring.
But it was no coincidence that perhaps United’s best 45 minutes of the season came with the Englishman back in the team.
Mainoo is the heartbeat and driving force of United’s midfield now. Fernandes might not be too pleased, but it allows the skipper to focus his efforts at the top of the pitch.
United thrived under Carrick with Mainoo alongside Casemiro last season. Whether he is paired with any of the Brazilian’s three replacements in Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba or Andrey Santos, Mainoo must stay in the team.
Matheus Cunha
What more needs to be said after that brace against Roma?
When the chips are down, Cunha stepped up.
He was United’s best player even before scoring.
Cunha got the crowd roaring after winning the penalty that Fernandes eventually scored - that was the moment Old Trafford got behind the team and turned the tide.
His ability to play across the front line and, perhaps more importantly, score goals, means he will always be of value to Carrick. When Marcus Rashford returns, both forwards can play in the same team.
Next: Shea Lacey
"He's got that little glint in his eye, he plays with a bit of mischief.”
Those were the words of a gleeful Carrick as he spoke about United’s newest starlet, Lacey.
It’s too soon to put any kind of pressure on the 19-year-old, but his cameo against Roma was his most impressive yet, including a matchwinning assist to Cunha in the dying embers of the match.
With Amad looking short on confidence in front of goal, there is a place in the team to be won.
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