Man Utd vs. Roma: Match Preview, Lineups, and Predictions
Manchester United return to Champions League action on Tuesday, hosting a high-scoring Roma side at Old Trafford in Matchday 4 of the group stage. The Red Devils have struggled recently, now winless in their last nine matches across all competitions. On Saturday, despite some control in the first half at Stamford Bridge, defensive lapses led to a goal by Morgan Rogers and a red card for Lisandro Martínez. This sequence handed Chelsea a penalty and essentially sealed United’s fate in that match.
Michael Carrick’s future as manager appears uncertain with only two games before the international break. United must turn things around after consecutive losses in the Champions League to Atlético Madrid and Como.
Roma, on the other hand, have earned four points from their opening three group games. They recovered well following a late defeat to Real Madrid, demolishing Slovan Bratislava 4-0. This marks their first Champions League campaign since 2018–19 under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who led them to third place in Serie A last season. Many expect Roma to challenge for the Scudetto this year, currently sitting four points behind surprise leaders Lazio, their city rivals.
Match Prediction: Roma To Continue Their Scoring Streak
Man Utd are enduring their worst stretch without a victory since 1988. Since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, the club has had tough periods but never such a long winless streak in the Premier League era. Carrick faces challenges in balancing his squad, and results suggest the pressure is mounting on him.
Gasperini has a reputation for outsmarting top managers, famously likened by Pep Guardiola to "going to the dentist" due to his team's toughness. His Roma team promises to be a difficult opponent, especially given United's current lack of cohesion.
Roma are eager to secure their first-ever win at Old Trafford after four attempts, including a heavy 7-1 quarterfinal loss here in April 2007. Historically, they have also struggled against English teams away from home, with only one victory in 21 such matches—a 1-0 win at Liverpool during the 2000–01 UEFA Cup.
Despite not matching the heights of Gasperini’s 2019–20 Atalanta, this Roma side still plays an aggressive style that has made them Serie A’s top scorers with 28 goals in 10 games, plus eight goals in three Champions League matches so far.
Backing Man Utd at this point seems risky, given their historically poor form and no clear sign of recovery.
- Motivated Roma chasing history: Aim to end their winless run at Old Trafford and improve their poor record against English clubs away.
- Free-scoring visitors: Leading Serie A scorers with strong attacking momentum in Europe.
- Man Utd struggles continue: Worst winless run in decades, lacking identity and balance.
Prediction: Man Utd 2–3 Roma
Expected Lineup for Man Utd
United received a boost as Patrick Dorgu returned to training, though he's not ready to play yet. Kobbie Mainoo should rejoin the midfield, likely replacing Carlos Baleba, as Carrick trusts Youri Tielemans.
Marcus Rashford continues to manage a hip injury, while Amad Diallo sustained a minor knock at Chelsea but is expected to play. Lisandro Martínez will miss the domestic weekend game due to suspension but is available for this match; however, his poor form suggests he may be dropped. Matthijs de Ligt or Ayden Heaven might partner Harry Maguire in defense, with Leny Yoro holding the right back position.
- Formation (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Tielemans, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Predicted Roma Lineup
Roma face key absences, including starting goalkeeper Mile Svilar out with a toe stress fracture until after the international break. Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are sidelined as well, pushing Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon—Gasperini’s long-time midfield anchor—to fill the central midfield roles.
If Paulo Dybala is unavailable due to fitness issues, Rodrigo Mora and Matias Soulé are expected to 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, Nov. 3
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
Broadcast Information
- United States: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
- Mexico: Max Mexico, Space Mexico
- United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video
