Manchester United face Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday in the fourth round of the Champions League with their season in crisis and Michael Carrick at risk of losing his job.
The 21st-placed Red Devils have gone nine matches without a win in all competitions. Their last victory came almost two months ago against Sabah, European competition newcomers, while a defeat by 15th-placed Roma could be Carrick’s final game in charge.
United have lost their past three matches and four of their previous five. They are also 17th in the Premier League, staying above the relegation zone only on goal difference, despite Carrick receiving a vote of confidence less than a week ago following the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
There was some encouragement in the opening 45 minutes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, when United created enough chances to have been ahead at half-time. Amad Diallo missed two good opportunities, but the visitors’ performance suggested they would struggle to maintain that level after the interval.
That proved to be the case. Morgan Rogers scored after a solo run, aided by what appeared to be a slack United defence, before Lisandro Martinez was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in 90 seconds. The second booking resulted in a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to put Chelsea largely out of reach.
Roma offer another difficult test
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma arrive in strong form and have not lost in five matches, winning four of them. They have scored at least three goals in four of those unbeaten games, although their defensive weaknesses remain a concern.
Roma conceded three goals in a six-goal match against Napoli, shipped two in a 4-2 victory over struggling Cagliari and allowed another two in Saturday’s 5-2 win against relegation-threatened Udine.
The Giallorossi have suffered heavy defeats against United in the past, including a 7-1 loss in 2007 and a 6-2 defeat in 2021. However, they believe they can win at Old Trafford for the first time and increase the pressure on Carrick.
Donyell Malen is second in the Serie A scoring charts with eight goals, one behind Gustavo Varela, and has scored three times in the Champions League. He also has two assists, level with Matias Soule, and is Roma’s principal attacking threat in the absence of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Martinez may be suspended in domestic competition but is expected to partner Harry Maguire, despite doubts over his involvement. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot could complete the defence.
Carrick may use Youri Tielemans in an advanced central role and move Bruno Fernandes to a flank, with Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo at the base of midfield. Mason Mount could be the other attacking midfielder behind Bryan Mbeumo, leaving Matheus Cunha among the substitutes.
Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko are absent, while Marcus Rashford and Amad will be assessed. Roma remain without Muhammed Bah, Dybala, Manu Kone, Pellegrini and Mile Svilar.
Probable teams
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Santos; Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount; Mbeumo.
Roma: Gollini; N’Dicka, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen.
The suggested bets are both teams to score and fewer than 4.5 goals at 1.97, Bruno Fernandes to score or assist at 1.90, and Donyell Malen to be decisive at 1.85.
