# Mainoo and Lacey raise the spirits but systemic change still required at Manchester United | Nick Ames

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mainoo-and-lacey-raise-the-spirits-but-systemic-change-still-required-at-manchester-united-nick-ames/
- Published: 2026-11-03T23:57:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T14:42:50+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/03/michael-carrick-manchester-united-roma-old-trafford-champions-league
- Topics: Sport, Tennis

## Key points

- United came from 2-0 down to beat Roma.
- Mainoo and Lacey helped spark the comeback.
- The club still needs wider change, and Carrick’s future is uncertain.

## Summary

Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat Roma at Old Trafford, lifting the mood after protests against the club’s ownership and a poor run of results. Academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey helped turn the match around, but the performance does not resolve the deeper problems facing the club or guarantee manager Michael Carrick’s future.

Roma led through Matías Soulé after Marten de Roon dispossessed Mainoo, then doubled their advantage. Bruno Fernandes scored a twice-taken penalty before Matheus Cunha equalised, and Cunha later finished after Mainoo and Lacey combined. The article argues that United will need changes beyond the coaching staff to sustain this kind of performance; their next test is Aston Villa.

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