Manchester United 6-2 Roma – Red Devils Punish Injury Laden Visitors

Manchester United demolished their counterparts Roma 6-2 in the first leg of the Europa League Semi-finals on Thursday night at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes and Edison Cavani were the stand out performers as United came from a goal down to hammer their visitors for six in a fiercely entertaining match.

Things started off to a sad note for the visitors as they were forced to make a substitution of key player Jordan Veretout due to injury.

Shortly after that, United got their first goal of the game when Cavani’s weighted pass was lifted over the goalkeeper by Bruno Fernandes for his 25th goal of the season.

But the Red Devils’ lead was cut short when the visitors equalised from the spot through Pellegrini after Pogba handled the ball in the box.

Roma were forced into another change just before the half-hour when goalkeeper Antonio Mirante was subbed on for Pau Lopez who had injured his shoulder saving a shot from Pogba.

Despite the forced subs, Roma doubled their lead. Former Man United man Henrikh Mkhitaryan played a clever reverse pass to Pellegrini in the box who squared it to Dzeko for a tap in from close range.

The hosts were once again forced to make their third injury-related sub in the 36th minute with midfielder Leonardo Spinzzola making way for Bruno Peres.

See what Ole had to say about the Premier League title race

Visibly destabilised, Roma nearly conceded a goal in stoppage time of the first half via Cavani’s effort, but it was not to be as it was saved by the keeper.

Minutes into the second half, Cavani finally got his name on the scoresheet. A laid out pass by Bruno Fernandes was met with a brilliant strike by the Uruguayan with the outside of his foot finding the top corner.

The hosts continued their offensive tempo and were soon ahead after Cavani was gifted his second of the night when Mirante fumbled a shot from Wan-Bissaka.

Roma seemed to be in self-destruct mode because minutes later Fernandes grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot after Smalling fouled Cavani in the box.

Manchester United soon made it five courtesy of Pogba whose powerful header from a Bruno corner could not be stopped by the Roma goalkeeper.

Second half substitute Mason Greenwood’s superb strike put the match to bed in the closing stages after being teed up by Cavani.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side once again proved they were the comeback kings of Europe with their emphatic display. They carry their four-goal advantage into the second leg.

Enjoyed the article? Share with others as well. Stay in the know, follow us on Twitter @punditgist.