Manchester United came from behind to earn a stupendous 6-2 win over AS Roma in their Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Action: The game started in frenetic fashion and Bruno Fernandes gave Man Utd the lead with a good finish after trading passes with Edinson Cavani after nine minutes. Just six minutes later, however, Lorenzo Pellegrini converted a penalty leveller for Roma following a hand ball in the box by Paul Pogba.
The Italian side grew in confidence and Pellegrini then set up Edin Dzeko to put Roma in front, with the former Man City striker poking home from close range after some tidy build-up play to give the Serie A side a one-goal lead at the break.
After sustaining three injuries in the first-half, Roma had to make a trio of substitutions and the reshuffle appeared to have a negative impact.
Just three minutes after the restart, Edinson Cavani stuck a delightful finish into the top corner to draw the Red Devils level. From that point onwards, United's high tempo football was too much for the Serie A side and they went on a goalscoring spree.
The 34-year-old Cavani grabbed his 12th goal of the season from close range after Aaron Wan-Bissaka's low shot was parried and minutes later the Uruguayan was fouled in the box by former Man Utd defender Chris Smalling to allow Fernandes to rifle home the spot-kick to make it 4-2.
The Portuguese playmaker was heavily involved again for his side's fifth goal, as Fernandes' delicious cross was headed in by Pogba. Substitute Mason Greenwood then scored the sixth for the rampant hosts after latching onto Cavani's fantastic pass to put United in total control going into next Thursday's second leg.
The Big Picture: United will take a four-goal lead to Rome next week as they look to secure their passage to the Europa League final in Gdansk. Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's side now host Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League, while Roma travel to Sampdoria in Serie A the same day.
Man of the Match: It has to be Cavani. The former PSG forward was involved in five of the six goals: scoring two goals, supplying two assists and also winning the penalty converted by Fernandes. On this form, United fans will be hoping Cavani decides to stay another season at Old Trafford...
Moment of the Match: Cavani's first goal. At an absolutely crucial stage of the game, just after half-time, the Uruguayan's superb effort into the top corner underlined what a lethal finisher he is.
Expected Goals: Manchester United (4.52) 6-2 (1.86) AS Roma
Stat of the Day: United have not lost at home in a European semi-final since 1997 when they were defeated 0-1 by Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
⏰ RESULTS ⏰
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 29, 2021
😮 AND breathe!
🟡 Trigueros and Albiol give Villarreal first-leg advantage, Pépé pulls one back for Arsenal
🔴 A stunning second half as Manchester United turn semi-final tie around in style
Which players impressed you? 🤔#UEL
6-2 | ||
Bruno Fernandes 9' 71' (pen.) Edinson Cavani 48' 64' Paul Pogba 75' Mason Greenwood 86' | Lorenzo Pellegrini 15' (pen.) Edin Džeko 33' |
