Manchester United vs Roma should be a night that sets Old Trafford alight. Tonight it feels more like a test of faith. Michael Carrick is under heavy pressure, the Premier League table is flashing red, and the Champions League team news has landed with a thud: five players are unavailable.
Man Utd Team News: Who Is Out Against Roma?
Carrick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw remain unavailable through injury. There was hope that Patrick Dorgu would return after rejoining training, but Carrick said he will not be involved.
Benjamin Sesko (shin) and Manuel Ugarte (ACL) are also listed as out. That is a serious chunk of the squad, and it hurts most in attack and at left-back.
How Bad Has It Got for Manchester United?
Bad. United are winless in nine games, their worst start to a season since 1988, and sit 17th, above Crystal Palace only on goal difference. They have taken just seven points from nine league games and failed to score in four of them. Europe has not been kinder: a 4-1 hiding at Como left them 21st in the league phase with three points from three matches.
On Saturday, Lisandro Martinez was sent off against Chelsea, though he is only suspended domestically and should still partner Harry Maguire tonight.
Why Roma Are Dangerous
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side arrive flying. They are unbeaten in five matches with four wins, and have scored three or more goals in four of those games.
The man behind it is Donyell Malen, who has eight goals in ten games this season. Roma have problems of their own: Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are all listed among their absentees. If Malen gets space, United’s defence is in for a long night.
Man Utd vs Roma Prediction
The numbers give United a slight edge. Opta’s supercomputer has United winning 40.9% of simulations, Roma 34.8% and a draw 24.3%. Sports Mole is braver on the other side and backs Roma to win 3-1. United’s best hope is Bryan Mbeumo, who has four goals in nine Premier League appearances and now leads the line with Sesko out.
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