D'Amico on late stadium arrival and Gollini's back problem ahead of Manchester United clash

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.

Manchester United manager Carrick says Wednesday's Champions League clash with Roma means a lot to his side. Speaking before the match, which is the fourth matchday of the league phase, he said the competition is important to the club. "It means a lot, this competition is important. I played against Roma and I have good memories. We were a good team and we still are. It will be a tough match tonight." Carrick said a good result would be excellent for United. He praised Roma's approach, describing them as an intense side that presses hard and a complete team. The Manchester United boss said his players will have to give their best, adding: "We want to win." The fixture is Manchester United against Roma, a fourth-round encounter in the UEFA Champions League.

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 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 sporting director D'Amico has confirmed that Devis Vásquez will start the Champions League fixture against Manchester United, after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out with a severe back problem. The director spoke ahead of the match, which is part of the fourth matchday of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. D'Amico said Gollini woke up that morning with a strong back pain. Roma tried to get him fit during the day, but he was unable to recover in time, which meant Vásquez would play. D'Amico added that the club has confidence in the goalkeeper. He also commented on the team's journey to the stadium, admitting the traffic had been heavier than expected: "Eh, più del previsto (ride ndr.). Cose che succedono, è andata così però ci siamo." In English, he said: "It took longer than expected. These things happen, that's how it went, but we are here." Asked what assurances Vásquez could offer in a night like this, D'Amico said: "Sicuramente è un'opportunità per lui. Con grande serenità affronterà la partita, sarà una grande opportunità per lui e siamo tranquilli che possa fare una buona gara." In English: "It is certainly an opportunity for him. He will face the match with great calm, it will be a great opportunity for him, and we are confident he can put in a good performance."

Roma led 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Champions League League Phase fourth matchday, with Paulo Dybala's teammates Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen on target against Manchester United. Soulé opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Malen doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after Heaven handled Soulé's shot. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrived in Manchester with four points from their first three European matches, following a convincing win over Slovan Bratislava. Manchester United, coached by Michael Carrick, were on three points and going through a difficult spell. The match was the fourth matchday of the League Phase. The early stages were lively. Soulé and Bruno Fernandes were both booked in the 20th minute after a flare-up on the pitch. Roma were forced into a change in the 22nd minute, with Rensch unable to continue and Lulli coming on. Baleba tested the Roma defence from distance in the 26th minute, but his effort from the edge of the box flew high. Roma had started brightly, keeping the ball well in the opening minutes. Gasperini named Balerdi in place of N'Dicka, while Rensch won the battle for the right-back berth ahead of Molina. Mora kept his place alongside Soulé and Malen in attack. Vásquez started in goal after Gollini was ruled out, and the team lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Mainoo, Baleba; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Diallo; Cunha. The match was refereed by Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain, with assistants Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero. The fourth official was Juan Martínez Munuera, while Carlos del Cerro Grande was the VAR and Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez the assistant VAR. Roma remain in the match with a two-goal advantage at the time of reporting, with the second half still to come.

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 sporting director D'Amico has confirmed that Devis Vásquez will start the Champions League fixture against Manchester United, after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out with a severe back problem. The director spoke ahead of the match, which is part of the fourth matchday of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. D'Amico said Gollini woke up that morning with a strong back pain. Roma tried to get him fit during the day, but he was unable to recover in time, which meant Vásquez would play. D'Amico added that the club has confidence in the goalkeeper. He also commented on the team's journey to the stadium, admitting the traffic had been heavier than expected: "Eh, più del previsto (ride ndr.). Cose che succedono, è andata così però ci siamo." In English, he said: "It took longer than expected. These things happen, that's how it went, but we are here." Asked what assurances Vásquez could offer in a night like this, D'Amico said: "Sicuramente è un'opportunità per lui. Con grande serenità affronterà la partita, sarà una grande opportunità per lui e siamo tranquilli che possa fare una buona gara." In English: "It is certainly an opportunity for him. He will face the match with great calm, it will be a great opportunity for him, and we are confident he can put in a good performance."

Roma led 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Champions League League Phase fourth matchday, with Paulo Dybala's teammates Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen on target against Manchester United. Soulé opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Malen doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after Heaven handled Soulé's shot. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrived in Manchester with four points from their first three European matches, following a convincing win over Slovan Bratislava. Manchester United, coached by Michael Carrick, were on three points and going through a difficult spell. The match was the fourth matchday of the League Phase. The early stages were lively. Soulé and Bruno Fernandes were both booked in the 20th minute after a flare-up on the pitch. Roma were forced into a change in the 22nd minute, with Rensch unable to continue and Lulli coming on. Baleba tested the Roma defence from distance in the 26th minute, but his effort from the edge of the box flew high. Roma had started brightly, keeping the ball well in the opening minutes. Gasperini named Balerdi in place of N'Dicka, while Rensch won the battle for the right-back berth ahead of Molina. Mora kept his place alongside Soulé and Malen in attack. Vásquez started in goal after Gollini was ruled out, and the team lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Mainoo, Baleba; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Diallo; Cunha. The match was refereed by Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain, with assistants Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero. The fourth official was Juan Martínez Munuera, while Carlos del Cerro Grande was the VAR and Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez the assistant VAR. Roma remain in the match with a two-goal advantage at the time of reporting, with the second half still to come.