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Manchester United vs AS Roma Preview: Carrick’s Side Aim To End Winless Run

By Grace Thaba 3 Nov 2026 3 Min Read Save

Last updated: 3 Nov 2026, 20:53

Manchester United will be desperate to end their disappointing run of results when they welcome AS Roma to Old Trafford for their UEFA Champions League Matchday Four encounter on Tuesday evening.

United head into the fixture under pressure after going nine matches without a victory across all competitions. Their latest setback came at the weekend, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League following Lisandro Martínez’s red card.

The result has added to the pressure on Michael Carrick, whose side have also struggled in Europe. United have collected just three points from their opening three Champions League fixtures, leaving them 21st in the league phase standings.

Roma, meanwhile, arrive in Manchester with considerably more confidence. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have collected four points from their first three European matches and have enjoyed an impressive run in Serie A.

The Italian outfit suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid after conceding three goals in the closing stages, but responded with a convincing 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava. They also recorded a 5-2 win against Udinese at the weekend, continuing their strong domestic form.

Despite United’s recent struggles, Old Trafford could provide the setting for a much-needed response. The Red Devils have historically enjoyed success against Roma at home, winning all four previous meetings between the sides at the stadium.

However, Gasperini is unlikely to underestimate the challenge. The Roma manager has acknowledged United’s quality, describing them as a team with world-class players and highlighting the atmosphere expected at Old Trafford.

Team selection could prove important for both sides. United will be without Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte, while Patrick Dorgu has returned to full training but will not feature. Amad Diallo trained with the squad ahead of the match, while Marcus Rashford is being assessed.

Martínez, meanwhile, is available for the European fixture despite his dismissal against Chelsea, as his suspension applies to domestic competition. Leny Yoro is also eligible after serving his European suspension.

Roma will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone, while goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also unavailable. Pierluigi Gollini is expected to deputise between the posts.

Donyell Malen could be one of Roma’s biggest threats, having scored eight goals in 10 appearances this season. His attacking contribution will be important against a United side that has struggled to find consistency.

Predicted Starting Line-ups

Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo.

Roma: Pierluigi Gollini, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Emanuele Lulli, Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley, Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro.

The starting line-ups are predicted and have not yet been officially confirmed.

With both teams needing points to strengthen their positions in the Champions League standings, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be an important test. United will be looking to rediscover their winning form, while Roma will hope to carry their domestic momentum onto the European stage.