With Manchester United mired in a seven-game winless streak and the AS Roma side showing strong form in Serie A, tonight’s Champions League clash at Old Trafford is set to ignite major reactions both on and off the pitch. The pressure is on for Michael Carrick’s Red Devils, while Gian Piero Gasperini’s Giallorossi aim to extend their unbeaten run and prove their European credentials.
How embattled Manchester United can turn the tide against an upward-trending Roma
The anticipated return of Champions League football has done little to lift the spirits in Manchester. Following a promising opening victory against Sabah (4-0), United were quickly brought back down to earth with defeats to Atlético Madrid (2-0) and Como (4-1). In the Premier League, the downward spiral has only deepened: a sobering 2-0 loss at Chelsea last Saturday left the Red Devils stuck in a seven-game winless streak (4 draws, 3 defeats), languishing in 17th place — a far cry from their top-four finish last season.
United’s injury crisis is compounding their struggles. Key players including Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, and Manuel Ugarte are sidelined, with Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo doubtful after muscular issues. Lisandro Martínez returns after suspension, and Leny Yoro will be available following his ban against Como. Bruno Fernandes, who was briefly excluded after criticizing the team’s tactics, has been reinstated and is expected to lead the attack alongside front-runners 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
AS Roma’s Serie A dominance contrasts with Champions League inconsistency
While United grapple with crisis, Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini are flying high. The Giallorossi remain undefeated in Serie A after ten matches (7 wins, 3 draws) and secured a commanding 5-2 victory at Udinese last weekend. In Europe, their journey has been rockier: a draw with Fenerbahçe (1-1) and a dramatic 3-4 loss to Real Madrid were followed by a convincing 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava. They currently sit third in Serie A, positioning themselves as genuine Scudetto contenders.
Roma’s squad has also been hit by injuries. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar (finger fracture), Manu Koné (leg issue), Paulo Dybala (calf), and Lorenzo Pellegrini (thigh strain) will all miss the match. Pierluigi Gollini is expected to start in goal, with Donyell Malen leading the line after netting eight goals in Serie A and three in Europe. Matías Soulé, the creative force behind the Udinese win, could feature alongside Malen, supported by midfielders Bryan Cristante and 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 live
The Champions League showdown kicks off at 21:00 GMT on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Old Trafford. The match will be broadcast live on CANAL+ LIVE 5 across television and streaming platforms. Subscribers can access the game via the CANAL+ website and app on desktop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, and gaming consoles.
History and stakes: United’s record against Roma
Old Trafford has not been kind to Roma. In eight previous meetings, the Italian side has won just twice, with one draw and five defeats. The most infamous clash came in the 2006–07 Champions League quarter-final second leg: Roma stunned United with a 2-1 win in Rome, only to suffer a humbling 7-1 reverse at Old Trafford. That night sealed United’s path to the semifinals and marked the beginning of a resurgence under Sir Alex Ferguson that culminated in both the Premier League title and a fifth Champions League trophy.
Roma’s next European encounter with United came in the 2020–21 Europa League semifinals. A commanding 6-2 first-leg win at Old Trafford effectively ended the tie, despite Roma’s 3-2 victory in the return. Though the overall record favors Manchester United, the current momentum lies firmly with Gasperini’s side, making this tie a pivotal moment for both clubs.
Champions League clash odds and betting outlook
The bookmakers are giving United a slight edge heading into tonight’s match:
- Manchester United victory: 2.15
- Draw: 3.65
- AS Roma victory: 2.62
With United desperate for a win to halt their slump and Roma seeking to confirm their continental ambitions, the betting markets reflect a closely contested affair.