Manchester United vs Roma – News and Probable Lineups

Under pressure Manchester United face a challenging matchup on Tuesday as they meet Roma, currently sitting in 15th place in the Champions League fixture at Old Trafford, without a win in their last nine games.

The Red Devils, positioned 21st, have not tasted victory in any tournament since overcoming European newcomers Sabah nearly two months prior, underscoring the daunting task ahead for head coach Michael Carrick, especially with this potentially being his final match in charge should another defeat occur.

Match overview

During the first half at Stamford Bridge, United showed glimpses of breaking their long-standing scoring drought, managing to create several chances that could have seen them lead against Chelsea.

Amad Diallo missed two good chances, and while their first-half efforts provided some hope, there was an understanding that Xabi Alonso’s team would likely not repeat a lacklustre display in the second half.

This prediction rang true, as Morgan Rogers netted a solo goal, taking advantage of what appeared to be United’s careless defence. Following this, Lisandro Martinez received two yellow cards within a span of 90 seconds, resulting in a penalty conceded on the second.

Cole Palmer successfully converted the penalty, all but sealing victory for his side and leaving the Red Devils still searching for their first win in nine attempts, having lost three of their recent matches and four out of the last five.

After the 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth, Carrick received an unwanted vote of confidence just days prior, and with United currently languishing in 17th place in the Premier League standings, hovering above the relegation zone only on goal difference, their streak of losses cannot continue indefinitely; a change must occur.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s team is unlikely to show kindness to the struggling hosts, as the in-form Italian side aims to extend the winless streak of the Manchester giants.

Roma has strong belief in their chance to compound further misery on the struggling Premier League side, having recently enjoyed a five-match unbeaten streak that includes four wins.

One particularly notable aspect is Roma’s attacking prowess, with the Serie A side scoring three or more goals in four of their last five matches, despite ongoing concerns about their defensive weaknesses as they prepare to face United’s relatively unimpressive attack.

Entering the fourth matchday, Gasperini’s team has conceded three in a thrilling 6-3 game against Napoli, two in a 4-2 win over struggling Cagliari, and another two during Saturday’s 5-2 victory against Udinese, who are battling relegation.

Historically, Roma has experienced considerable defeats at the hands of United, including a 7-1 thrashing in 2007 and a 6-2 rout in 2021, but the Giallorossi are confident in their ability to secure a win at Old Trafford, which would increase the pressure on Carrick.

Team News

While Martinez may miss the domestic encounters, he is expected to partner Harry Maguire at the back, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot flanking the centre-backs.

Bruno Fernandes’s role in Tuesday night’s fixture will be interesting to observe, as Carrick might opt to position Youri Tielemans in a more advanced central role, pushing the Portuguese playmaker to a wider position, with Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo possibly forming the midfield core.

This setup may leave Mason Mount as the third attacking midfielder behind Bryan Mbeumo, while Matheus Cunha could be restricted to a substitute appearance.

Unavailable for selection are Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, and Benjamin Sesko, with Marcus Rashford and Amad undergoing fitness assessments.

Gasperini reports no new injury issues following Saturday’s victory over Udinese, although Muhammed Bah, Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Mile Svilar will remain sidelined for this midweek encounter.

Donyell Malen is currently second in the Capocannoniere race with eight goals, just one behind Gustavo Varela, and the forward will be eager to increase his tally of three goals in the Champions League.

Additionally, Malen has also contributed two assists, putting him level with Matias Soule, making him the standout threat for the away side, particularly in the absence of Dybala and Pellegrini.

Manchester United probable starting XI:

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Santos; Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount; Mbeumo

Roma probable starting XI:

Gollini; N’Dicca, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen

While United had a promising first half against Chelsea, it ultimately provided little solace after yet another loss, and their nine-match winless streak makes it hard to have confidence in Carrick’s players as they face high-scoring adversaries.

Although Roma’s defensive shortcomings could present chances for the hosts, we support Malen and his teammates to extend the Red Devils’ misfortunes.