Manchester United vs Roma: team news, predicted result and where to watch

Gasperini is preparing to take his Roma side to Old Trafford to reverse the history against Manchester United, and the Italian papers have largely agreed on a starting eleven. The coach appears set to field a solid defence with Mancini returning to the starting lineup, while the main doubt concerns the right flank, where the choice is between Lulli and Molina. Rensch could also come into contention for that spot, but he appears the least likely to start from the first minute. In midfield, the papers are split over who will support Soulé behind Malen: Pisilli, Cristante or Mora. Across the line-ups published by the Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo, Roma are set to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Gollini in goal, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, Wesley in the midfield and Soulé and Malen attacking. The papers' predicted line-ups differ in only a few places. The Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero pick Lulli at left-back, while the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport go with Molina. The Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both name Rensch. Il Messaggero also includes de Roon and Pisilli in midfield, with Cristante pushed further forward alongside Soulé, while Tuttosport picks Mora in the number ten role instead of Pisilli.

Donyell Malen could make a timely statement tonight, with Roma at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a win putting the club well on the way to the Champions League playoffs. Writing in Il Corriere della Sera, Davide Stoppini describes Malen as a player who was pushed out of the Premier League because he felt he was not understood. He wanted to play as a centre-forward but was deployed on the right wing, a waste in Stoppini's view. Stoppini suggests Malen can avenge Totti and Dzeko and confront the memories of Roma's 7-1 and 6-2 defeats at Old Trafford. Malen has already shown he can deliver in the biggest games: he scored against Real Madrid, answering those who said he does not score in major matches. At this stadium, however, he is almost a debutant, with a single appearance, lasting six minutes, in May 2025. Stoppini argues that Malen has a chance to write a new story here and to prove that he was misjudged in this city and across England. The stakes are clear. Roma are pushing for a playoff place, and a victory tonight would make a big difference. Stoppini's column frames the match as an opportunity for Malen to prove both himself and the wider football world wrong about his ability in the biggest fixtures.

Roma visit Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight, with kick-off at 21:00 in the fourth matchday of the Champions League. Gasperini is expected to make several changes from the side that beat Udinese in Serie A three days ago. Pisilli is tipped to edge out Mora for a place in the midfield behind the front line. Mancini is set to return to the starting defence, alongside N'Dicka and Hermoso in a three-man back line. Wesley and Cristante are expected to keep their places, with De Roon in the middle of the midfield. Soulé and Malen are predicted to start up front alongside Pisilli in the 3-4-2-1 system. Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal. The predicted line-ups differ on the wing-back and full-back spots. Some papers pick Lulli on the left, others Rensch, and others Molina. Il Romanista goes with Balerdi on the left of the defence. La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Corriere dello Sport all predict a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lulli or Molina on the flanks. Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both pick Rensch, while Romanews.Euroma and Corriere dello Sport go with Molina. For Gasperini, the choice on the flanks and in midfield will determine how Roma line up against the Premier League side at Old Trafford.

Roma's probable line-up for tonight's Champions League league-phase midpoint has been mapped out, with Niccolò Pisilli alongside Marten de Roon in midfield and Bryan Cristante ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role, according to Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero. Mora's inclusion is not ruled out. Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé are considered untouchable up front. Wesley is expected on the left, with Devyne Rensch pushing Luca Lulli for the right-back spot. Gian Piero Gasperini is set to rely on his strongest players at the back, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso ready to form the back three. Leonardo Balerdi is at risk after training yesterday with a prominent bandage on his right knee. Pierluigi Gollini starts in goal, a player who returns to Manchester after his spell in the youth ranks from 2012 to 2014. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are again out. Koné and Dybala hope to be available for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, though their involvement is not a given.

Roma look to take advantage of Manchester United's crisis, although the head-to-head record between the two clubs is not encouraging. Gian Piero Gasperini is still without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala for the match.

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his Roma side not to underestimate Manchester United ahead of the Champions League tie, despite the English club's poor run of results. On injuries, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are unlikely to return before the international break, although there remains a chance for the Sassuolo fixture. Rodrigo Mora is available, but team selection will be decided at the last moment. Donyell Malen is enjoying a remarkable spell: he has scored 22 goals in 27 Serie A matches in the calendar year, more than Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in their respective leagues. No player has scored more than him across Europe's top five leagues in that period, a transformation the article credits to his work under Gasperini. At Manchester United, Michael Carrick has gone nine matches without a win, and his position is increasingly under pressure. United were beaten 4-1 by Como, coached by Fabregas, a result that exposed gaps between midfield and defence. Nico Paz took advantage with two goals and an assist, and Roma's Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen are considered capable of exploiting the same weakness. Carrick has rejected the idea that he will be dismissed after the Roma game, saying: “Non penso che sarà così” (“I don't think that will be the case”). Dorgu and Luke Shaw are confirmed absent, while Marcus Rashford is doubtful. Carrick also recalled United's 7-1 win of 2007, calling it “una delle notti più belle della mia carriera” (“one of the best nights of my career”). Marten de Roon acknowledged the mistakes Roma made against Real Madrid, saying the side was immature in that match but is still developing. He said: “Vogliamo dare continuità alle prestazioni” (“We want to give continuity to our performances”). He also thanked supporters, adding: “Mi ha fatto piacere essere applaudito contro il Cagliari” (“It was nice to be applauded against Cagliari”). Elsewhere, Turkish press report that Greenwood had a tense exchange with Fenerbahçe president Yıldırım, asking his father and agent to find him another club. The bust-up followed his controversial omission against Göztepe. There has been no official rupture, and the club has attributed the absence to a flu-like illness. On the transfer front, Roma are reportedly monitoring Gabriel Sara, the Brazilian born in 1999 who plays for Galatasaray, with a view to a January move. Napoli, Newcastle and Everton are also said to be interested, with the English clubs reportedly ready to spend around €30 million, though only interest has been confirmed so far. Meanwhile, former Roma coach Fonseca is close to leaving Lyon to return to Portugal with Sporting. He broke down in tears after Lyon's win over Angers, embraced by his players. An agreement with Sporting is reportedly close but not yet official. If it goes through, Fonseca will face Roma as an opponent on 8 December in the Champions League.

Matías Soulé, who looked set to leave Roma in the summer, has become one of the most important players in Gian Piero Gasperini's side and, alongside Malen, one of the team's technical leaders. The Argentine was for a long time at the centre of transfer talk, with a €35 million valuation considered excessive by potential suitors and loan-with-option hypotheses also floated. In the end he stayed. According to Il Messaggero, Soulé's growth has coincided, almost paradoxically, with the absence of Paulo Dybala. A similar situation arose last season, when the Argentine carried Roma through the first half of the campaign, scoring seven goals before being halted by a groin problem (pubalgia). This time, Soulé appears to have taken a further step forward, particularly in personality and consistency of performances. His position helps him. Starting from the right, he can move inside onto his left foot and make the most of his qualities. It is not only a tactical matter, though. With Dybala sidelined, Soulé has taken on more responsibility, and team-mates have begun looking for him more often, recognising him as the main creative reference behind Malen. The result is a more confident, involved and decisive player. The leadership that once seemed to be missing has become one of his most evident qualities. Only a few months ago Roma were ready to seriously consider selling him; today, it would be hard to imagine Gasperini's side without the Argentine talent. The transformation is also a success for Gasperini, who has got the best out of a player who seemed to have a future away from the capital. Perhaps the real signing of the summer market, at least as far as Soulé is concerned, was simply not selling him.

Roma's probable line-up for tonight's Champions League league-phase midpoint has been mapped out, with Niccolò Pisilli alongside Marten de Roon in midfield and Bryan Cristante ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role, according to Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero. Mora's inclusion is not ruled out. Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé are considered untouchable up front. Wesley is expected on the left, with Devyne Rensch pushing Luca Lulli for the right-back spot. Gian Piero Gasperini is set to rely on his strongest players at the back, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso ready to form the back three. Leonardo Balerdi is at risk after training yesterday with a prominent bandage on his right knee. Pierluigi Gollini starts in goal, a player who returns to Manchester after his spell in the youth ranks from 2012 to 2014. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are again out. Koné and Dybala hope to be available for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, though their involvement is not a given.

Matías Soulé has gone from being the player Roma were ready to sell to one of the team's key figures, and he is now, alongside Donyell Malen, the side's technical leader. The Argentine forward stayed at the club after a summer in which Roma first judged a €35 million fee too high, then accepted €30 million, and finally considered a loan with a right to buy. His agent spent much of the summer trying to find him a club across Europe. The turnaround has come while Paulo Dybala is sidelined, which the article describes as a repeat of last season. With Dybala out in the first half of the 2025-26 campaign, Soulé led Roma in the first half of the season with 7 goals before a groin problem, a pubalgia, kept him out for months. This season he is fit and the change came suddenly on 14 October against Real Madrid. The article describes his gradual growth into an explosive presence, with team-mates increasingly looking for him as he became the only player capable of triggering Malen and playing alongside him up front. Stefano Carina, writing in Il Messaggero, notes that Soulé is a reserved character who had recognised early that he was no longer wanted, and that he became withdrawn as a result. The summer was unusual for him, with his agent travelling across much of Europe in search of a new team. Carina suggests that watching him play now may leave many people regretting their earlier doubts. The article concludes: "Oggi Soulé è un leader." Soulé is now a leader.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight to face Manchester United in matchday four of the Champions League, with kickoff at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are looking to make a decisive push up the group standings, while United are struggling badly, with no wins in nine matches and head coach Carrick widely expected to be sacked. Roma are favourites, the first time they have gone into a meeting with United as the stronger side. Roma were beaten 7-1 at Old Trafford in 2007, a result they are determined to erase. Gasperini cautioned his players against underestimating United, despite their poor form. He said: "The Manchester team are going through a difficult spell in results in the league, but we cannot let ourselves be distracted. They are still a strong side, with players of absolute quality, and it is a hot and difficult atmosphere. We are preparing as if we were facing the best Manchester." Roma are without Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné, and Gasperini admitted that the absences are hard to handle. He said: "If you are missing Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné in the same areas, it is hard to change, so we try to adapt a bit in certain moments. In midfield we are short of numbers. We have played these seven matches on a knife's edge. But we have always had prepared players who have recovered quickly. After the break we hope to have everyone back." At the back, Mancini or Balerdi is expected to return, while Lulli could be used on the flank. Cristante may return in midfield in place of Mora. Gasperini will again rely on the partnership of Soulé and Malen up front, given Dybala's unavailability. In goal, Gollini will play, having spent two seasons in Manchester United's youth ranks.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight to face Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the Champions League, with kickoff at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are looking to cancel out the memory of their 7-1 defeat at the ground in 2007 and, with a win, could push United's coach Carrick towards a likely dismissal while climbing the group table. United are in a poor run, having gone nine matches without a win, and Roma are considered favourites for the first time in their history against a United side in such a slump. Leggo's Francesco Balzani notes the match is a fascinating one for the Giallorossi, who cannot let the Red Devils' troubles affect their approach. Gasperini said: "Manchester is going through a difficult moment in the league in terms of results, but we cannot let ourselves be distracted. Still, it is a strong team, with players of absolute quality, and it is a warm and difficult environment. We are preparing as if we were facing the best Manchester." The Roma boss expects at least one of Mancini and Balerdi to return to the defence, while Lulli could be deployed on the flanks. In midfield, Cristante may come back in place of Mora. Gasperini added: "If you are missing Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné in the same areas, it is hard to change, and we try to adapt a little at certain moments. In midfield we are thin on numbers. We have played these seven matches on a knife's edge. But we have always had prepared players who recovered quickly. After the break we hope to have everyone back." Dybala's absence means Gasperini will again rely on the partnership of Soulé and Malen up front. Gollini starts in goal, a player who spent two seasons in Manchester's youth ranks.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight (21:00, Sky Sport) looking to take a decisive step in the Champions League, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side favourites against a Manchester United team that has gone nine matches without a win. Carrick is widely expected to be dismissed as United's manager. Roma are seeking to climb the group standings, and a win would also avenge their 7-1 defeat at the same ground in 2007. Around 4,000 Roma supporters are expected in Manchester, and the authorities are watching public order closely given the history between the two sets of fans. Gasperini acknowledged United's struggles in the league but refused to underestimate them. He said: "Manchester in the league is going through a difficult moment in results, but we cannot be distracted. Still, it is a strong team, with players of real quality, and it is a hot and difficult environment. We are preparing as if we were facing the best Manchester." Roma will make some changes, though not many. At least one of Mancini and Balerdi is expected to return to the defence, Lulli may be used on the flank, and Cristante could return in the midfield in place of Mora. Gollini is in goal, a player who spent two seasons in United's youth ranks. Gasperini was frank about Roma's injury problems. He said: "If you are missing Pellegrini, Dybala and Koné in the same areas, it is hard to change things, so we try to adapt a little at certain moments. In midfield we are counted. We have played these seven matches on a knife's edge. But we have always had prepared players who recovered quickly. After the international break we hope to have everyone back." Dybala's absence means Gasperini continues to rely on the pairing of Soulé and Malen up front. The probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen.