After a dismal run of seven matches without a win, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United face a daunting task: overcome a rampant AS Roma side at Old Trafford in a crucial Champions League tie. The Red Devils are reeling from back-to-back defeats in Europe and a 2-0 loss at Chelsea that plunged them into a relegation battle in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Roma arrives in Manchester riding high on an unbeaten Serie A streak and momentum from their 4-0 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava.
From crisis to crossroads: how this match could redefine two seasons
Manchester United’s desperate need for a spark
For United, this is more than just a match—it’s a turning point. The club sits 17th in the Premier League, seven games without a win, and faces elimination from the Champions League after losses to Atlético Madrid and Atalanta. Michael Carrick’s seat is warming under severe pressure from both fans and ownership. With Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and defensive reinforcements still sidelined due to injury, the squad is threadbare, especially with Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro back but not at full strength. Bruno Fernandes, controversially benched after a tactical clash earlier this month, will be expected to lead from the front once again. Leading the attack will be Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, a pairing with tangible goalscoring potential.
Roma’s confident march under Gasperini
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, on the other hand, is flying. The Giallorossi are unbeaten in Serie A with seven wins and three draws, and their Champions League campaign has started brightly with a 4-0 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava after a narrow draw with Fenerbahçe and a dramatic 3-4 loss to Real Madrid. With Donyell Malen leading the charge and a midfield bristling with creativity from Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante, Roma looks ready to challenge for domestic and European glory. Injuries to Mile Svilar, Paulo Dybala, and Lorenzo Pellegrini have forced Gasperini into reshuffling, but the depth and quality remain impressive.
The Red Devils’ past dominance over Roma—most notably the 7-1 thrashing in 2007—feels like ancient history. The rivalry has seen a shift: Roma has edged past United in two major European finals since, culminating in a 6-2 aggregate win in the 2021 Europa League semifinals. That memory lingers, but so does the weight of current form. United can’t afford another setback; Roma can’t afford to concede.
Match preview: when, where, and how to watch Manchester United vs AS Roma
Date: Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 CET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee: To be announced
VAR: Confirmed
TV and streaming information
Live coverage will be available on CANAL+ LIVE 5 across all platforms, including the CANAL+ website and mobile app for streaming on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
Probable lineups for the clash of momentum
Manchester United (expected formation: 4-2-3-1)
- Senne Lammens (GK)
- Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui
- Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans
- Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha
- Bryan Mbeumo
Manager: Michael Carrick
AS Roma (expected formation: 4-3-3)
- Pierluigi Gollini (GK)
- Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso
- Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley
- Matías Soulé
- Donyell Malen
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Betting odds: where momentum meets value
Manchester United to win: 2.15
Draw: 3.65
AS Roma to win: 2.62
Odds sourced from Betclic and reflect live market conditions.
