Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback to win 6-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals earlier tonight.
Roma did well to hold their own in the first half of the contest, but they were completely outplayed in the second half, and the Red Devils are now favourites to head into the finals of the Europa League.
Here at Anytime football, we look at the five major talking points from tonight’s game.
Edinson Cavani remains a world-class player
The Uruguayan international has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season, but Manchester United must do everything in their power to hold on to him.
Despite being 34, the striker has been an exceptional free transfer for the Red Devils, and he showed his quality tonight.
Cavani chipped in with vital goals, and he was instrumental in creating two other goals in the game.
The former PSG striker has come into English football, and he has managed to hit the ground running. His ability to seamlessly adjust to a new league and make an immediate impact is a testament to his quality and mentality.
Mentality under Solskjaer
Manchester United’s mentality under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has transformed completely.
The Red Devils have been in a precarious position quite often this season, but they have managed to overcome the odds through sheer character and come back spirit.
Tonight was no different.
Despite being 2-1 down in the first half, Manchester United managed to mount a thrilling come back and secure a vital first-leg lead against Roma.
The Red Devils have picked up 28 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season and no other team can boast such a record.
Manchester United were right to sell Chris Smalling
The former Manchester United defender left the club in order to play regular first-team football and tonight’s performance shows that the Red Devils were correct in letting him leave.
The English defender is simply not good enough to start for a club like Manchester United.
Smalling struggled to deal with the likes of Fernandes, Cavani and Pogba, and he looked like a liability at the back for Roma.
Roma’s frailties have been exposed
The scoreline flattered Roma in the first half when, in reality, they are pretty mediocre, and Manchester United were always firm favourites to win here.
The Italian outfit is 7th in Serie A this season, and they have conceded 51 goals in 33 games. Their performances this season suggest that they never really stood a chance against the Red Devils.
The tie was always Manchester United’s to lose, and Roma’s dismantling in the first leg just about confirms that.
Luke Shaw’s resurrection
The English left back’s career at Old Trafford seemed uncertain when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to revitalize Luke Shaw, and the defender has been sensational for the Red Devils this season.
Shaw is undoubtedly one of United’s best players this season, and he was emphatic against Roma tonight.
Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes
Earlier, lots have been written about how both the attacking midfielders cannot start or play together. But Solskjaer’s Manchester United are looking similar to old Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. It took time, but with Cavani in front and minor tweak in the system, Fernandes and Pogba could make United, Premier League contender next season.
