Under-fire Michael Carrick is not getting carried away with Manchester United’s wild comeback win against Roma despite acknowledging the importance of the 3-2 triumph to his misfiring squad’s confidence.
Old Trafford witnessed an incredible conclusion to a Champions League night that began with fresh protests against owners the Glazer family and the visitors punishing a first-half display that was as meek as it was shambolic.
Matias Soule’s avoidable opener was followed by a Donyell Malen penalty as United fans once again booed their team at the break, only for Carrick’s side to dig deep and produce an unforgettable turnaround.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes converted a retaken penalty before Matheus Cunha scored a last-gasp brace – and picked up an even later sending-off – as the Red Devils ended their nine-match winless run in style.
“Proud of a lot of people, actually,” United head coach Carrick said. “Proud of the players. I think they deserve a lot of credit for pulling through that in a tough situation.
“And for the supporters, you know, to be there. I could feel they were desperate for us to give them something to get their teeth into.
“Frustrating, disappointing, as we all were going in at half-time. But I spoke with the players about the second half, about what this place can do and moments, and one moment can really flip it.
“We came out second half really well, just stayed really positive through the whole second half.
“To come through and see so many positives and had to keep going to get that at the end, I’m really pleased for an awful lot of people for that one.
“It’s one win, so we’re not getting too carried away with things, but it was it was an important one for us.”
United’s third win of the season breathes new life into their Champions League campaign and offers a glimmer of hope that Carrick may be able to find a way forward as head coach.
But things do not get any easier as attention turns to Sunday’s Premier League home match against Aston Villa, whose manager Unai Emery is among those to be linked with the Old Trafford post.
“I think it’s important for some of the players to have the feeling that they maybe haven’t had here before,” Carrick said of Tuesday’s victory.
“Some of the lads that came this year, some of the boys that came even last year who maybe haven’t had a feeling of that.
“I think it’s important for them to know what that means and how it feels.
“It’s pretty obvious to say, but until you’ve really gone through it and felt it and had to dig deep and come out the other side, sometimes you don’t know what it’s like.
“But we’ve got to take stock, we’ve got to stay calm and prepare and be ready for another big game on the weekend.”
United look set to be without Carlos Baleba against Villa and for the foreseeable future after the summer signing pulled up injured early in the second half.
Carrick said: “I haven’t got any more news on Carlos at this stage but obviously it’s his hamstring, so we’ll just have to assess what that looks like.
“Initially, it doesn’t look great. Timelines, I haven’t got much more to give you.”
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