Roma fans fill Old Trafford route as Gasperini appears on London Tube sticker

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters at Old Trafford in the minutes before kickoff of Manchester United against Roma, a match in matchday four of the Champions League league phase. Asked how long the journey to the stadium had taken, D'Amico said: "More than expected, without escorts. These things happen..." On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, D'Amico explained what happened: "This morning he had a strong backache. We tried to recover him, but nothing. We have confidence in Vasquez." Roma are therefore turning to Devis Vásquez between the posts, with the club's four goalkeepers now including him as an option for the fixture. Asked about what kind of goalkeeper Vásquez is and what guarantees he can offer, D'Amico said: "Certainly it is an opportunity. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have. He will play the match well, it will be a great opportunity and we are confident he can have a good game."

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.