Carrick hails Old Trafford atmosphere after Manchester United end winless run

Michael Carrick said the atmosphere at Old Trafford and Manchester United’s second-half effort inspired their comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League.

United recovered from two goals down to beat the Italian side 3-2 in the fourth round of the main phase, securing their first win in nine matches in all competitions.

Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Bruno Fernandes completed the turnaround. Roma’s goals came from Matias Soule and Malen.

The result ended a run of six defeats and three draws for Manchester United. Their previous victory had come against Sabah, the Azerbaijan champions, in the Champions League on 10 September.

The three points moved Manchester United to six points, while Roma remained on four.

“It was a difficult match,” Carrick told UEFA’s website. “I thought we started the game well and we knew it would be a tough contest. They had suffered only one defeat all season and they are a very good team.”

“We had discussed what we wanted to produce and made a good start, but then the goal came out of nowhere. We created some problems for ourselves and, to some extent, that is understandable given the results we have had recently. At times, we felt a little anxious and tense.”

Carrick felt his side improved before the interval and used half-time to urge the players to remain positive.

“I think we got a little better towards the end of the first half,” he said. “I spoke to the players at half-time about being positive. Anything can happen here. I have seen it many times over the years.

“All you need is for things to start going your way, and the players were excellent in the second half.”

The Manchester United manager credited the stadium and its supporters with helping to transform the match.

“This stadium does that,” he said. “Whatever situation you find yourself in, however difficult it is, the fans are always eager to support you. We gave them enough to keep them behind us.”

Matheus Cunha’s contribution helped United claim their first victory after nine consecutive matches without a win.

Carrick was also asked about his own future at Manchester United, but said he could not predict what would happen next.

“I do not have a crystal ball to know what will happen next,” he said. “We will move on to the weekend match. We have a very important game here against Aston Villa, and we have to prepare for it properly.”