United’s pride on the line …as Roma visits in C/L

Struggling Manchester United head into today’s Champions League (CL) match day four encounter against 15th-placed Roma at Old Trafford winless in nine consecutive matches.

The 21st-placed Red Devils’ last victory in any competition came against European debutants Sabah almost two months ago, highlighting the uphill challenge facing a beleaguered Michael Carrick ahead of what could be his final match in charge if they suffer another defeat.

Carrick received the dreaded vote of confidence less than a week ago after the 3-0 hammering by Bournemouth, but United, now 17th in the Premier League table and outside the relegation zone on goal difference, cannot keep losing indefinitely; something has to give.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will be in no mood to do the beleaguered hosts any favours, as the in-form Italian outfit aim to extend the Manchester club’s winless run.

The Giallorossi have reason to believe that their current form can inflict further misery on the Premier League strugglers, given their five-match unbeaten streak, which includes four victories.

Particularly striking is Roma’s free-scoring form, with the Serie A club netting three or more goals in four of those five unbeaten matches, although their defensive frailties remain a concern ahead of facing United’s admittedly underwhelming attack.

Gasperini’s men enter matchday four having conceded three in a six-goal thriller against Napoli, two in a 4-2 victory over out-of-form Cagliari and another two in Saturday’s 5-2 hammering of relegation-threatened Udinese.

Roma have suffered several chastening defeats against United, including a 7-1 hammering in 2007 and a 6-2 beatdown in 2021, but the Giallorossi will back themselves to finally win at Old Trafford and increase the pressure on Carrick.

Martinez may be suspended domestically, but the centre-back despite doubts about his commitment should partner Harry Maguire, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot on either side of the central defenders.

Bruno Fernandes’s role today will be intriguing, as Carrick could deploy Youri Tielemans in an advanced central position and move the Portuguese playmaker out wide, with Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo potentially forming the midfield base.

That would likely leave Mason Mount as the third attacking midfielder behind Bryan Mbeumo, with Matheus Cunha limited to a role off the bench.

Gasperini has no fresh injury concerns following Saturday’s 5-2 win over Udinese, although Muhammed Bah, Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Mile Svilar remain sidelined for the midweek clash.

Donyell Malen sits second in the Capocannoniere race with eight goals, one behind Gustavo Varela, and the forward will hope to add to his three Champions League strikes.

With Malen also registering two assists, level with Matias Soule, the Dutchman is undoubtedly the away side’s leading threat, particularly in the absence of Dybala and Pellegrini.-Sportsmole

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