Manchester United and AS Roma face off in must-win Champions League clash at Old Trafford

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Critical night ahead for Manchester United as Roma loom

Manchester United kick off a pivotal Champions League clash against AS Roma at Old Trafford tonight, with both clubs desperate for a victory to shift their fortunes. Under new manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have suffered a dramatic drop in form, while the ambitious Giallorossi arrive as one of Serie A’s strongest sides.

Key details for Manchester United vs AS Roma

  • Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
  • Kickoff: 21:00 GMT
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
  • Referee: To be confirmed
  • VAR: Active
  • TV: CANVAS+ LIVE 5
  • Live streaming: CANVAS+ (website and app)

Latest betting odds

  • Manchester United win: 2.15
  • Draw: 3.65
  • AS Roma win: 2.62

Note: Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change before kickoff

Manchester United’s crisis deepens ahead of Roma test

What was supposed to mark a resurgence in Europe has exposed Manchester United’s current weaknesses. After a comfortable opening win over Sabah, defeats to Atlético Madrid, Como and Chelsea have pushed the Red Devils to a seven-game winless streak in all competitions. Without a victory since September 10, pressure is mounting on manager Michael Carrick.

Defensive problems are compounded by missing personnel. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte are sidelined, while Marcus Rashford remains doubtful after a muscular issue at Stamford Bridge. Amad Diallo is also touch-and-go following his red card against Chelsea. Lisandro Martínez returns from suspension, and Leny Yoro completes his recovery from suspension, boosting Carrick’s available options. Bruno Fernandes, dropped after criticising tactics, has fought his way back into the starting XI and is expected to lead the attack alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Manchester United probable lineup:

Senne Lammens — Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui — Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans — Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha — Bryan Mbeumo

Manager: Michael Carrick

Roma ascendancy poses fresh threat to Red Devils

AS Roma head into this encounter on the back of an unbeaten Serie A run of seven wins and three draws, including a 5-2 demolition of Udinese last weekend. Their Champions League campaign has been more turbulent, with a draw at Fenerbahçe, a dramatic loss to Real Madrid and a 4-0 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava, but their domestic form remains formidable.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini faces his own injury concerns, with Mile Svilar (broken finger), Manu Koné (leg), Paulo Dybala (calf) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (thigh) all missing. Pierluigi Gollini starts in goal, with Donyell Malen leading the attack alongside Matías Soulé. Bryan Cristante is expected to anchor midfield alongside Marten de Roon.

AS Roma probable lineup:

Pierluigi Gollini — Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso — Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley — Matías Soulé, Donyell Malen

Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini

Where to watch Manchester United vs AS Roma

The Champions League showdown kicks off at 21:00 GMT at Old Trafford. The full match will be broadcast live on CANVAS+ LIVE 5. Subscribers can stream the game via the CANVAS+ website or app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles.

United vs Roma: a history of humiliation and hope

Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground for Roma. In eight previous meetings, Roma have managed just two wins, with one draw and five defeats. Their most notorious visit came in 2007, when they lost 7-1 on aggregate, including a 7-1 thrashing at Old Trafford that featured two goals from then-player Michael Carrick — now the United manager tasked with responding.

United, in contrast, rode that momentum to a Champions League semi-final and later a Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson. Their last competitive meeting came in 2021’s Europa League semi-finals, when a 6-2 first-leg win at Old Trafford sealed a 8-5 aggregate victory — a memory that now feels distant as Carrick’s side struggles for rhythm.

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About Nicolas Biyong

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