Manchester United are in serious trouble against AS Roma, trailing 2-0 at half-time in their fourth league-phase match in the Champions League.
Michael Carrick’s side have been punished by a Roma team that has made the most of its chances, with both goals coming inside the opening 17 minutes at Old Trafford.
The visitors took the lead in the 11th minute when Rodrigo Mora found Matias Soule in space. With Manchester United’s defence exposed, Soule had time to set himself before calmly beating Senne Lammens with a left-footed finish.
Roma were awarded a penalty five minutes later after Heaven was penalised for handball inside the area. Donyell Malen took responsibility and sent Lammens the wrong way to double the Italian side’s advantage in the 17th minute.
Manchester United have struggled to respond. Their build-up has lacked accuracy, while their attacks have failed to seriously test the Roma defence.
Bryan Mbeumo was kept under control by Leonardo Balerdi, and Carlos Baleba tried his luck from distance but could not find the target. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo also looked to create danger, though neither was able to produce a telling contribution before the interval.
Roma continued to threaten whenever they found room to attack and came close to adding a third goal in stoppage time. Soule curled an effort towards the top corner, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
Manchester United head into the second half with a significant deficit to overturn. They will need a much-improved performance after the break if they are to get back into the match, with AS Roma currently in control.
