Manchester United destroy Roma in an amazing second half

What a match at Old Trafford! A comeback for each team but eventually Red Devils profited immensely on the dominance they showed. Final score 6-2.

Members of Roma's current squad, Henrik Mkitaryan and Chris Smalling, know what it is like to lift the Europa League trophy. And strangely enough, they did it with their tonight's rivals, Manchester United in 2018.

An incredible opening of the match with both teams scoring in the first quarter of an hour.

Home team took the lead first. Beautiful slalom by Pogba who sent a low ball to Edinson Cavani. Uruguayan slipped it to Bruno Fernandes into the area and he scored with a delightful chipped finish to make it 1:0.

His 25th goal of the season in all competitions, with the only two Premier League players to net more being Harry Kane (31) and Mohamed Salah (29).

Visitor from the capital of Italy equalized five minutes later with a penalty, caused by Pogba's handball in his own box. Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini put the ball into the left side of the goal past the outstretched arm of David de Gea.

Four of the last six penalties Manchester United have conceded at Old Trafford have been given away by Pogba, while he has been at fault for three of the last four they've conceded at any venue.

Manchester United wanted to get back ahead - they dominated possession, passing and were constantly present in Roma's defensive third.

However, Roma turned it around and took the lead in the 34th minute. A promising counter attack led by Spinazzola continued with beautiful passes by Mkhitaryan and Pellegrini. Edin Dzeko was at the right place at the right time to shove the ball inside De Gea's net.

Dzeko has scored six goals in his last five appearances against Manchester United at Old Trafford, netting five in his last three games there.

Just after Dzeko's goal, Roma had to make their third substitute due to injury. They are the first team to make three substitutions in the first half of an Europa League match since 2009 competition rebrand.

Just before the half time whistle, Cavani wasted a huge opportunity. He created some space for himself inside the penalty box and sent a decent strike towards the bottom left corner, but Antonio Mirante made an astonishing save to thwart him.

Red Devils deservedly leveled the score in the 49th minute. Bruno Fernandes displayed great vision and sent a pass to Cavani, who buried the ball into the top right corner skillfully.

Cavani could have added another goal to his tally in the 54th minute as he caught an accurate pass deep into the box and attempted to fire the ball past the keeper, but the shot was way off target.

'El Matador' tried, waited and earned his second goal. In the 64th minute, Cavani scored one of the easiest goals of his career - Wan Bissaka fired and Mirante deflected the shot. Cavani was there to send the rebound low into the middle of the goal.

Few minutes later, Cavani was fouled inside Roma's box which resulted in a penalty. Bruno Fernandes won the battle of wills and sent an unstoppable penalty shot Mirante into left side of the goal.

Roma were disintegrated. No energy, no intensity... And Man United had to utilize such lack of presence.

In the 75th minute Paul Pogba scored to crown a great performance. Bruno Fernandes showcased his great technique and produced a beautiful lofted cross into the box. Pogba jumped higher than Smalling and got onto the scoresheet by heading inside the left post.

And as if he hadn't shown enough, Cavani assisted Mason Greenwood in the 86th minute with a beautiful pinpoint pass.

An incredible performance by the Red Devils who are pretty much in the final of this season's Europa League but let's wait for that 6th of May.

In the other tie, Villareal defeated Arsenal at home 2-1 and can be disappointed for that conceded goal.

EUROPA LEAGUE - Semi finals

Thursday

First leg

Manchester United - Roma 6-2 (1-2)

/Fernandes 9', 71' pen, Cavani 48', 64', Pogba 75', Greenwood 86' - Pellegrini 15' pen, Dzeko 34'/

Villareal - Arsenal 2-1 (2-0)

/Trigueros 5', Albiol 29' - Pepe 73'/

Second leg to be played on the 6th of May