D'Amico: Facing Inter is a major motivation for us

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has spoken ahead of his side's clash with Roma, saying the match means a great deal and that he has fond memories of playing against Roma in this competition over the years. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, Carrick said: "It means a lot, this competition is important. I have played against Roma a few times in this competition over the years and I have good memories. They were a very good team and they still are. We were very impressed watching their start to the season, which has been very positive. We know we have a tough game tonight." Carrick said his side wanted to produce a good performance and secure a good result for their own reasons. He praised Roma's approach, adding: "They play very intense football and ask a lot of questions. They press a lot and they are good on the ball. They are a complete team, and we have to do a lot and give our best to win the game." The comments underline the importance of the fixture for United, with Carrick stressing the quality of the opposition and the demands his side face on the night.

Roma director Tony D'Amico has confirmed that Pierluigi Gollini will miss the match against Manchester United because of a severe back pain he suffered this morning, with Devis Vásquez starting in goal instead. Speaking to SkySport before kickoff, D'Amico also explained that the team had arrived late because of traffic, and he was speaking in place of Gasperini. D'Amico said the club had tried to get Gollini fit in time. "This morning he had a strong back pain, we tried to recover him during the day but he could not make it. Vasquez plays, we have confidence in him." Asked what guarantees Vásquez could offer, he said: "It's an opportunity, also for him. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have available. These things happen. He will face a game, a beautiful one, with great serenity. It will be a great opportunity for him, we are calm that he can have a good game." On the delayed arrival, D'Amico was asked how long the journey from the hotel had taken. He replied: "More than expected, things happen. Without escort, but we are here."

Roma's Primavera side drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the UEFA Youth League, with Antonio Arena equalising from the penalty spot late in the game. Coach Mattia Scala said the result was a good point, with an excellent second half and a less convincing first half. Roma started the match well and had an early chance to score. However, they began to struggle against United's passing game, which pulled them across the pitch, and they faded. United took the lead at that moment, although they did not create many big chances. Scala said the team was sorted tactically at half-time, with the players urged to show more courage. Roma brought on three forwards to push for the win. Scala described the United side as more ready than his own. Several of their players born in 2007 were already playing with their Under-21 team, and some had already made their Premier League debuts. Roma had brought many 2009-born players, so Scala said the gap was one of experience rather than technical quality. He added that United had shown themselves to be a very good side. Scala also confirmed that Arduini and Romero Corredera were called up to train with the first team after the session on the previous day. He said the club was fully available to the first team's needs, and that the staff's preparation had not changed. Scala said the team was going through a very positive period, and that he had seen many tired players who were still ready to give everything. He said the players never give up and that some of them were disappointed not to win. He described this as a sign of maturity and growth. Roma face one more match in this mini-cycle on Sunday before recharging for the restart. Arena, who scored the 1-1 penalty late in the match, said pressure was normal when trailing 1-0 with a few minutes left. He said he approached the spot-kick with great confidence, as he always tries to do, and that the point was important, away from home against a strong side. He said Roma had played a great second half, playing together, and had deserved the equaliser. On the change after the break, Arena said United had been physical and had handled Roma's pressure well in the second half of the first half. In the second half, he said, the team showed more hunger, ran more and put United under pressure. He said those who came on had done very well, whether defenders or attackers, and that the group is united and never gives up. He added that it was not the first time they had come from behind to get back into a game. Asked about disappointment, Arena said Roma always want the three points, but that sometimes a point is good too, as the match was not simple. He said the team should be happy with the draw, having suffered and played well together. Looking ahead, he noted the squad returns to Rome after leaving there last Thursday. He described the time away as a little training camp. He said two good performances had come out of it, and that the group gets on well, which he believed had done them a lot of good.