Gasperini and De Roon face press ahead of Manchester United clash at Old Trafford

Roma midfielder Marten de Roon has said he is happy to receive applause from the Roma fans after the win over Cagliari, but that performances are what count most. He spoke on the eve of Roma's match against Manchester United, and also discussed how his relationship with the Giallorossi supporters has developed. De Roon's comments come as Roma prepare for a high-profile fixture against Manchester United. The Dutch midfielder, who is part of the current squad, has been well received by the crowd in recent weeks, and he made clear that the supporters' reaction matters to him, but that the team must first earn it through consistent displays on the pitch. The article reports De Roon's remarks in full on the club's relationship with its supporters and the importance of results on the pitch, with the Manchester United match looming as the next major test for the team.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his side will not be distracted by Manchester United's current difficulties ahead of the match. Speaking on the eve of the fixture, he did not mince his words: "It is still a strong team with players of absolute quality." The comments come as Roma prepare to face Manchester United, a side whose recent form has drawn attention. Gasperini's message to his players is clear: focus on their own game rather than on their opponents' problems, because a team with this level of talent can punish any lapse in concentration. Gasperini said: "It is still a strong team with players of absolute quality." Roma's preparations continue with that warning in mind. The article's remaining detail on the build-up is limited to the coach's stance on the fixture.

Marten de Roon will speak at today's press conference at 18:20 Italian time from the Old Trafford press room, alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, on the eve of Manchester United v Roma. The Dutch midfielder is due to preview the Champions League League Phase fourth-matchday clash, which takes place at Old Trafford tomorrow evening against the side managed by Michael Carrick. Giallorossi.net will carry his remarks live. De Roon is expected to address Roma's current form, the club's European ambitions and the challenge of playing at one of Europe's most prestigious stadiums. Roma are in their first Champions League campaign of the 2026-27 season, and the Old Trafford fixture comes as the club looks to build on recent performances. Asked how he is settling in, and whether Atalanta gave up on him too soon, De Roon said: "I'm doing well. Since I arrived I needed to find rhythm and physical condition, and we sorted that out during the break. The staff and the group have welcomed me very warmly, I knew I could still contribute and I'm happy with how it's going." On whether Roma can follow the path Atalanta took, he replied: "I hope it's shorter, otherwise I won't be playing any more (laughs). At Atalanta we had a fantastic journey, it seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies. Roma are playing well, and a first Champions League year makes you play matches of a high level. We want to give continuity to our performances, like in a magical stadium such as tomorrow's." Asked whether Roma have the personality to dominate everywhere, as Atalanta often did, he said: "Against Real we were not mature enough, but we are growing. The way we approach teams and play brings entertainment, we always try to score and not shut ourselves in. It's important, though, that we are aware as a team that we must defend better at certain moments. But we are growing." On winning back the fans, De Roon said: "I'm on the right track, performances are always what counts. But it made me happy to be applauded when I came off against Cagliari. Facts always show what you're worth." He was also asked about his time at Middlesbrough, when he faced United. "I don't remember that game very well. It was one of the strongest Manchesters of all time, great respect for them, in a fantastic stadium. They are a strong team but we want to get a great result."

Leonardo Balerdi took part in Roma's final training session at Old Trafford wearing a visible strap on his right knee, ahead of the club's Champions League League Phase fixture against Manchester United, which is due to be played in a little over 24 hours' time. The Argentine defender is one of the most closely watched figures for the match. Balerdi played the first half hour of Roma's game against Napoli, scoring a brace at the Maradona in a 3-3 draw, but he has been on the bench for the last two matches, against Cagliari and Udinese. He is unlikely to start the match from the first minute, but he could make an impact as a substitute. The session at Old Trafford followed Gian Piero Gasperini's press conference, which was held alongside Marten de Roon. After the usual warm-up, the squad moved through physical drills, bull runs and short sprints. The Manchester United game is the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase.

Roma midfielder Marten de Roon has said he is happy to receive applause from the Roma fans after the win over Cagliari, but that performances are what count most. He spoke on the eve of Roma's match against Manchester United, and also discussed how his relationship with the Giallorossi supporters has developed. De Roon's comments come as Roma prepare for a high-profile fixture against Manchester United. The Dutch midfielder, who is part of the current squad, has been well received by the crowd in recent weeks, and he made clear that the supporters' reaction matters to him, but that the team must first earn it through consistent displays on the pitch. The article reports De Roon's remarks in full on the club's relationship with its supporters and the importance of results on the pitch, with the Manchester United match looming as the next major test for the team.

Marten de Roon will speak at today's press conference at 18:20 Italian time from the Old Trafford press room, alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, on the eve of Manchester United v Roma. The Dutch midfielder is due to preview the Champions League League Phase fourth-matchday clash, which takes place at Old Trafford tomorrow evening against the side managed by Michael Carrick. Giallorossi.net will carry his remarks live. De Roon is expected to address Roma's current form, the club's European ambitions and the challenge of playing at one of Europe's most prestigious stadiums. Roma are in their first Champions League campaign of the 2026-27 season, and the Old Trafford fixture comes as the club looks to build on recent performances. Asked how he is settling in, and whether Atalanta gave up on him too soon, De Roon said: "I'm doing well. Since I arrived I needed to find rhythm and physical condition, and we sorted that out during the break. The staff and the group have welcomed me very warmly, I knew I could still contribute and I'm happy with how it's going." On whether Roma can follow the path Atalanta took, he replied: "I hope it's shorter, otherwise I won't be playing any more (laughs). At Atalanta we had a fantastic journey, it seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies. Roma are playing well, and a first Champions League year makes you play matches of a high level. We want to give continuity to our performances, like in a magical stadium such as tomorrow's." Asked whether Roma have the personality to dominate everywhere, as Atalanta often did, he said: "Against Real we were not mature enough, but we are growing. The way we approach teams and play brings entertainment, we always try to score and not shut ourselves in. It's important, though, that we are aware as a team that we must defend better at certain moments. But we are growing." On winning back the fans, De Roon said: "I'm on the right track, performances are always what counts. But it made me happy to be applauded when I came off against Cagliari. Facts always show what you're worth." He was also asked about his time at Middlesbrough, when he faced United. "I don't remember that game very well. It was one of the strongest Manchesters of all time, great respect for them, in a fantastic stadium. They are a strong team but we want to get a great result."