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Manchester United vs. Roma: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Manchester United returns to Champions League action on Tuesday, facing a potent Roma side at Old Trafford in Matchday 4 of the group stage. The Red Devils are struggling, enduring a nine-match winless streak across all competitions following a tough defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Despite holding their own during the first half against Chelsea, a poor defensive moment allowed Morgan Rogers to score, and Lisandro Martínez's second yellow card led to a penalty that sealed United's fate. Michael Carrick's position as manager appears precarious, with only two matches remaining before the international break. United must bounce back after losing consecutive Champions League games against Atlético Madrid and Como.

Roma, meanwhile, have secured four points from their opening three matches. After a late collapse versus Real Madrid, they emphatically defeated Slovan Bratislava 4-0. This marks their first Champions League campaign since 2018–19, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, who led the Giallorossi to third place in Serie A last season. Many expect Roma to challenge for the Scudetto this year; currently, they sit four points behind surprise leaders Lazio.

Match Prediction: Roma Look to Extend Man Utd’s Difficult Run

Manchester United faces its worst winless streak since 1988, never having gone nine games without a victory since the Premier League began in 1992. Carrick has been short on options and has struggled to find balance within his squad. His recent tactical approach was outmaneuvered by Cesc Fàbregas at Como, while Gasperini has a reputation for outsmarting top coaches. Pep Guardiola once compared playing against Atalanta to “going to the dentist,” and his current Roma team presents a similarly tough challenge.

The teams enter this match in starkly different moods. Roma aims to secure their first-ever win at Old Trafford after four unsuccessful visits, including a humiliating 7-1 loss in the 2007 quarterfinals. They also carry a poor record against English clubs, winning only once in 21 away European matches—a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup.

Despite not replicating the heights of his 2019–20 Atalanta side, Gasperini’s Roma still play an attacking style capable of overwhelming opponents, especially a disjointed Manchester United. They lead Serie A in goals, netting 28 in 10 league games, and have scored eight in their three Champions League matches so far.

Backing Manchester United right now is difficult given their historic slump and lack of signs pointing to a turnaround.

  • Motivated Roma: Four trips to Old Trafford without a win, including the infamous 7-1 loss in 2007. Poor away record against English teams with just one win in 21 games.
  • Free-scoring visitors: Leading Serie A scorers with 28 goals in 10 matches, and eight goals in three Champions League games.
  • Man Utd struggles: Worst winless run since 1988, no clear recovery visible yet.

Prediction: Manchester United 2–3 Roma

Expected Lineup: Manchester United

Manchester United gets a boost as Patrick Dorgu has returned to training but remains unavailable for competitive matches. Kobbie Mainoo will likely return to midfield, replacing Carlos Baleba, as Carrick favors Youri Tielemans. Marcus Rashford continues to manage a hip injury, while Amad Diallo’s minor knock from Chelsea shouldn't sideline him.

Lisandro Martínez, suspended domestically this weekend, is available but unlikely to start due to poor form. Matthijs de Ligt or Ayden Heaven could partner Harry Maguire in central defense, with Leny Yoro expected to keep the right-back spot.

  • Formation (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Tielemans, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

Expected Lineup: Roma

Roma faces notable absences: starting goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined with a stress fracture, and both Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are out. Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon, Gasperini’s longtime midfield lieutenant, will likely control the center of the park.

If Paulo Dybala fails to recover, Rodrigo Mora and Matias Soulé will support striker Donyell Malen.

  • Formation (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen.

Match Details

  • Location: Manchester, England
  • Stadium: Old Trafford
  • Date: Tuesday, November 3
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
  • Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)

Viewing Information

  • United States: Paramount+
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Max Mexico, Space Mexico
  • United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video


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