Manchester United vs Roma: Vásquez starts in goal as Rensch and Balerdi return

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.

Roma had the better of the first half at Old Trafford and went into the interval with a two-goal lead, but they threw away the advantage in a chaotic second period against Manchester United. The Italian report says the Giallorossi dominated possession from the first minute, with Cristante and his team-mates controlling the game, and that in the first half the frustration of not scoring four was greater than the satisfaction of the two-goal lead. Mora played almost as a deep-lying inside midfielder, while Malen enjoyed a creative role, sacrificing a little of his finishing in front of goal. The match did not stay in Roma's favour. Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates spent far too long in the Roma half. Vásquez had made a more than worthy save when United took their first penalty, but the spot-kick was later retaken and the outcome was embarrassing for the visitors. The reporter argues that Roma's first-half advantage should have carried them to a win, following the usual rotations Gasperini made along the defensive line. Instead, the unthinkable happened, mainly through the mistakes of Balerdi and then Vásquez, with referee Manzano also to blame, as Maguire was allowed to stay on the pitch. The article's closing verdict is blunt: the stadium is cursed, the referee did not convince, but this Roma side has committed suicide, because there is no other explanation. Cristante, Mora, Malen, Balerdi and Vásquez are the names the report repeatedly singles out, and the piece makes clear that the defensive rotations under Gasperini were central to the collapse.

Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen have made history for Roma at Old Trafford, with the two forwards scoring in the space of 17 minutes against Manchester United. According to OptaJoe, no away side had ever scored two goals in 17 minutes at Old Trafford in a major European competition. It is a record that is painful for the Red Devils but a positive one for Roma and Gian Piero Gasperini. The result deepens the crisis at Manchester United, who are struggling under Carrick, with the English coach increasingly close to being dismissed. For Roma, the performance marks a significant away success in Europe and adds to a campaign that has now seen one of the most striking statistical achievements at the stadium. Soulé and Malen were the two players behind the record, and their goals are the defining detail of the night for the Giallorossi. The historic nature of the feat, confirmed by OptaJoe, underlines how rare such a quick double has been for a visiting team in a major European competition at the ground.

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.

Roma had the better of the first half at Old Trafford and went into the interval with a two-goal lead, but they threw away the advantage in a chaotic second period against Manchester United. The Italian report says the Giallorossi dominated possession from the first minute, with Cristante and his team-mates controlling the game, and that in the first half the frustration of not scoring four was greater than the satisfaction of the two-goal lead. Mora played almost as a deep-lying inside midfielder, while Malen enjoyed a creative role, sacrificing a little of his finishing in front of goal. The match did not stay in Roma's favour. Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates spent far too long in the Roma half. Vásquez had made a more than worthy save when United took their first penalty, but the spot-kick was later retaken and the outcome was embarrassing for the visitors. The reporter argues that Roma's first-half advantage should have carried them to a win, following the usual rotations Gasperini made along the defensive line. Instead, the unthinkable happened, mainly through the mistakes of Balerdi and then Vásquez, with referee Manzano also to blame, as Maguire was allowed to stay on the pitch. The article's closing verdict is blunt: the stadium is cursed, the referee did not convince, but this Roma side has committed suicide, because there is no other explanation. Cristante, Mora, Malen, Balerdi and Vásquez are the names the report repeatedly singles out, and the piece makes clear that the defensive rotations under Gasperini were central to the collapse.

Roma's Champions League League Phase fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United has been reviewed in a VAR breakdown, with the clearest talking point a penalty awarded to Roma after a handball by Heaven on Soulé's shot in the 16th minute. Referee Gil Manzano pointed to the spot, and a silent check from the VAR confirmed the decision. The match is the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Manzano is refereeing, assisted by Ayuso and Barbero, with Munuera as fourth official. At VAR, Del Cerro Grande is working with Fernandez as AVAR. The game produced a busy disciplinary record. Heaven was booked in the 70th minute for a hard challenge on Soulé, and Malen was cautioned in the 42nd minute for holding back Baleba. Lulli was booked in the 35th minute for a handball that stopped an attacking move. The second penalty decision came in the 55th minute, when Cunha stumbled inside the box and Manzano pointed to the spot. The contact that was not there between Mancini's legs and the striker's was confirmed by VAR. In the 57th minute, Vásquez made a save, but Cristante cleared, and Manzano ordered the penalty retaken for a slight encroachment by Cristante as Bruno Fernandes was about to strike. Soulé and Bruno Fernandes were both booked in the 19th minute after sparks flew following a throw-in. Soulé was angry that the Portuguese player had not put the ball out with Rensch down on the pitch. Maguire was booked in the 78th minute for a slap on Castro. In the 85th minute, Maguire brought down Castro by the leg, and Manzano spared him a second yellow card. Cunha was sent off in the 90th minute for a second booking after a dangerous challenge on Balerdi.

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.

Roma are two goals up at Old Trafford after 20 minutes of the Champions League league-phase match against Manchester United, but Gian Piero Gasperini has been dealt another injury blow. Devyne Rensch collapsed to the ground in the 20th minute with a muscle problem and was unable to continue. Emanuele Lulli came on in his place. The setback adds to Gasperini's growing list of injured players. Roma have made a strong start, and the loss of Rensch comes at a time when the squad is already stretched. His condition will be assessed in the coming days. The Dutch defender was forced off early in the first half after going down with what appeared to be a muscular problem. Roma's opening 20 minutes were described as extraordinary, with the Giallorossi already ahead by two goals before the injury took its toll.

Roma have suffered another injury blow at Old Trafford, with Devyne Rensch forced off after just 22 minutes of the Manchester United clash. The Dutch right-back, who had been handed a surprise start from the first minute on the right flank, was replaced by Emanuele Lulli, who is making his Champions League debut. The problem appears to be muscular. The setback comes only hours after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out just a few hours before kickoff, meaning Roma have been hit by a string of late absences before a ball was kicked. Rensch's exit leaves the Giallorossi having to adjust on the right side of defence while already short in goal. Rensch joined Roma from Ajax in January 2025, and his early departure is a concern for a side already navigating a difficult run of fitness problems in Manchester.

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.

Roma had the better of the first half at Old Trafford and went into the interval with a two-goal lead, but they threw away the advantage in a chaotic second period against Manchester United. The Italian report says the Giallorossi dominated possession from the first minute, with Cristante and his team-mates controlling the game, and that in the first half the frustration of not scoring four was greater than the satisfaction of the two-goal lead. Mora played almost as a deep-lying inside midfielder, while Malen enjoyed a creative role, sacrificing a little of his finishing in front of goal. The match did not stay in Roma's favour. Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates spent far too long in the Roma half. Vásquez had made a more than worthy save when United took their first penalty, but the spot-kick was later retaken and the outcome was embarrassing for the visitors. The reporter argues that Roma's first-half advantage should have carried them to a win, following the usual rotations Gasperini made along the defensive line. Instead, the unthinkable happened, mainly through the mistakes of Balerdi and then Vásquez, with referee Manzano also to blame, as Maguire was allowed to stay on the pitch. The article's closing verdict is blunt: the stadium is cursed, the referee did not convince, but this Roma side has committed suicide, because there is no other explanation. Cristante, Mora, Malen, Balerdi and Vásquez are the names the report repeatedly singles out, and the piece makes clear that the defensive rotations under Gasperini were central to the collapse.

Roma's Champions League League Phase fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United has been reviewed in a VAR breakdown, with the clearest talking point a penalty awarded to Roma after a handball by Heaven on Soulé's shot in the 16th minute. Referee Gil Manzano pointed to the spot, and a silent check from the VAR confirmed the decision. The match is the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Manzano is refereeing, assisted by Ayuso and Barbero, with Munuera as fourth official. At VAR, Del Cerro Grande is working with Fernandez as AVAR. The game produced a busy disciplinary record. Heaven was booked in the 70th minute for a hard challenge on Soulé, and Malen was cautioned in the 42nd minute for holding back Baleba. Lulli was booked in the 35th minute for a handball that stopped an attacking move. The second penalty decision came in the 55th minute, when Cunha stumbled inside the box and Manzano pointed to the spot. The contact that was not there between Mancini's legs and the striker's was confirmed by VAR. In the 57th minute, Vásquez made a save, but Cristante cleared, and Manzano ordered the penalty retaken for a slight encroachment by Cristante as Bruno Fernandes was about to strike. Soulé and Bruno Fernandes were both booked in the 19th minute after sparks flew following a throw-in. Soulé was angry that the Portuguese player had not put the ball out with Rensch down on the pitch. Maguire was booked in the 78th minute for a slap on Castro. In the 85th minute, Maguire brought down Castro by the leg, and Manzano spared him a second yellow card. Cunha was sent off in the 90th minute for a second booking after a dangerous challenge on Balerdi.