Manchester United became the second team in Champions League history to come back from a two-goal deficit on four occasions, as they beat high-flying Roma 3-2.
United came into the match in their worst form of the modern era. Anything other than a victory would have extended their winless run to 10 matches, the club's longest such streak since 1984.
Within 10 minutes of kick-off, Argentine winger Matias Soule opened the scoring, finding himself in acres of space down the right flank after Diogo Dalot was caught out of position.
Donyell Malen would then double Roma’s lead and Manchester United’s pain from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, and it looked like the same old story all over again.
Everything was going wrong for Carrick’s men, but in the 58th minute, they were offered a lifeline.
Matheus Cunha went down inside Roma’s penalty area following a collision with Gianluca Mancini, and skipper Bruno Fernandes took matters into his own hands, placing the ball on the spot.
After a nervous wait, the Video Assistant Referee finally awarded United the penalty, and the Portuguese midfielder stepped up. However, his rather tame effort was comfortably saved by Devis Vasquez.
It appeared to be the final blow for Michael Carrick and co, yet United were handed another opportunity when the penalty was ordered to be retaken due to Bryan Cristante encroaching into the area.
The Italian defender was appalled by the decision, however, and made his feelings clear after the final whistle.
“The contact was very light”
Speaking to TMW after the match, Cristante explained to the Italian outlet that: "Yes, I didn't see it again, but from the pitch it certainly seemed very, very light to me, especially considering we're playing in Europe, where contact is called much less often. It seemed very light to me.
“I'll see it again later.”
He added at the end that the goal definitely charged United, stating: “They definitely recharged after the goal and started strong. So that certainly helped recharge the atmosphere."
Fernandes himself almost agrees with Christante, claiming he was “very lucky.”
"I knew it was a big responsibility,” Fernandes told Sky Sport Italia. “It could’ve changed the game and we really needed a goal to get the crowd behind us at that moment,"
"The penalty is always a stressful moment, because it is just you against the goalkeeper and nobody else can help in that situation.
"I was lucky honestly that Cristante went into the box too early, so it gave me an opportunity to take it again. The second time, I decided to pick a spot and hit it as hard as I could without trying to second-guess where the goalkeeper was going."
Regardless of the decision, it is clear that this win was a much-needed respite for Manchester United, who had gone the entirety of October without recording three points.
With Old Trafford hosting Aston Villa at the weekend, Carrick will be hoping his side can get two wins from two as we head into the international break.
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