Man United fight back to thrash Roma in Europa League semi-final first leg

Man United fight back to thrash Roma in Europa League semi-final first leg (Match Highlights)

Bruno Fernandes scored two goals as he continues to lead the Red Devils this season.
(Photo credit: @EuropaLeague via Twitter)

Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani both netted a brace as Manchester United fought back to thrash AS Roma in their Europa League semi-final first-leg tie.

Fernandes gave United the lead when he slotted home Cavani's first-time pass.

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot after a Paul pogo handball.

Pellegrini then assisted former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko gave the Italian side the lead just before half time with his sixth goal in five matches at Old Trafford.

But United came out all gun blazing after the break.

Cavani equalised with a brilliant strike before scoring an easy tap-in to put the Red Devils back in the lead when substitute goalkeeper Antonio Mirante pushed Aaron Wan-Bissaka's effort towards him.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men took advantage as they found momentum in the match, even though it was a lucky penalty for a soft Chris Smalling tackle on Cavani that gave Fernandes the chance to make it 4-2 from the spot.

Pogba scored the fifth with a header from Fernandes' cross before Greenwood scored United's sixth after a pass from Cavani.

Manchester United became the first side to score six goals in a major European semi-final since Real Madrid in the 1964 European Cup.

What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said at half-time

"Ole, what did you say at half-time?!" 😅

Here's the #MUFC manager's verdict on tonight's win in the #UEL 👇

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 29, 2021

Manchester United 6-2 AS Roma: Watch the full match highlights

Stats

20 - Bruno Fernandes (20) is only the third player in Manchester United's history to score 20+ penalties, after Ruud van Nistelrooy (28) and Wayne Rooney (27). Regularity. #UEL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 29, 2021

34 - At 34 years and 74 days, Edinson Cavani is the oldest player to score a brace at the semi-final stage or beyond in major European competition since Philip Cocu (34y 187d) for PSV vs Milan in the Champions League semi-finals in 2004-05. Wily. #UEL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 29, 2021

Man United are the first team to score six goals in a major European semifinal since 1964 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qf0OmTdfwz

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 29, 2021

Edinson Cavani for Man Utd vs. Roma:

89% pass accuracy
38 touches
10 touches in opp. box (most)
7 shots (most)
4 shots on target (most)
3 chances created
2 goals (=most)
2 assists (=most)
1 penalty won

Roma couldn’t handle him. 🏹 pic.twitter.com/oWawnsRiSo

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 29, 2021

Paul Pogba won more duels (10), completed more take-ons (4) and won more fouls (4) than any other Man Utd player against Roma. #UEL

And he grabbed himself a goal. 😤 pic.twitter.com/o8ES8BNahD

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 29, 2021