Manchester United face another crucial test on Tuesday night when they welcome an in-form AS Roma to Old Trafford for a huge UEFA Champions League encounter.
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Michael Carrick’s Red Devils are enduring a disastrous run of form, having failed to win any of their last nine matches across all competitions, with Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea piling further pressure on the under-fire manager.
Roma, meanwhile, arrive in Manchester full of confidence after extending their unbeaten streak to five matches with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Udinese in Serie A.
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Manchester United head into Tuesday’s encounter under enormous pressure following another disappointing Premier League performance.
The Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, extending their winless streak to nine matches and leaving them languishing in 17th place in the Premier League standings.
United showed some encouraging attacking intent during the opening half, but their inability to convert opportunities proved costly as Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured victory for the Blues.
Carrick’s side have now suffered three consecutive defeats, including a humiliating 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and Saturday’s setback against Chelsea.
Their Champions League campaign has been equally disappointing.
After opening with a victory over Azerbaijani side Sabah FK, United suffered consecutive defeats against Atletico Madrid and Como, leaving them 21st in the league-phase standings.
The 4-1 defeat to Como was particularly concerning, exposing the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued United throughout the season.
Carrick’s future has subsequently become a major talking point, although the club’s hierarchy is reportedly prepared to give him another opportunity to turn things around.
Injuries have complicated matters further, with Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu among the players expected to miss Tuesday’s encounter.
Bruno Fernandes remains United’s most influential creative player, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will be tasked with providing the attacking spark needed to trouble Roma’s defence.
The visitors, however, are enjoying a considerably more successful campaign under Gasperini.
Roma have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, scoring freely and demonstrating the attacking quality that has made them one of Serie A’s most entertaining sides.
Their latest performance was particularly impressive, with a commanding 5-2 away victory over Udinese extending their unbeaten run to five matches.
The Italian outfit have also shown encouraging signs in Europe, responding to a thrilling 4-3 defeat against Real Madrid with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava.
Donyell Malen has emerged as one of Roma’s most dangerous attacking players, scoring three goals in his previous two Champions League appearances.
However, Gasperini also has injury concerns, with Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and goalkeeper Mile Svilar among those expected to be unavailable.
Recent European history favours United, who famously defeated Roma 6-2 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their 2021 Europa League semi-final before progressing 8-5 on aggregate.
Nevertheless, the current form of the two sides suggests Roma have an excellent opportunity to secure a rare victory at the Theatre of Dreams.
A Roma victory is therefore our preferred selection, while combining an away win with both teams to score offers a potentially more rewarding alternative.
Recent Form & Stats
- Manchester United’s recent form: The Red Devils are winless in their last nine matches across all competitions, suffering three consecutive defeats.
- Roma’s recent form: The Italian giants are unbeaten in five matches, recording four victories and one draw.
- United’s Premier League position: Carrick’s side sit 17th with just seven points, hovering above the relegation zone on goal difference.
- Champions League form: United have recorded one win and two defeats, while Roma have one win, one draw and one defeat.
- United’s defensive struggles: The Red Devils have conceded in each of their last nine matches across all competitions.
- Roma’s attacking form: Gasperini’s side have scored 18 goals in their last five matches, averaging 3.6 per game.
- Donyell Malen’s Champions League form: The Dutch forward has scored three goals in his last two European appearances.
- Head-to-head: United have won five of their eight previous meetings with Roma across all competitions, with the Italians winning twice and one match ending in a draw.
- Old Trafford advantage: United have won all four of their previous home encounters against Roma, including a memorable 7-1 Champions League victory in 2007.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: AS Roma to win at 2.80.
Best Bet: AS Roma to win or draw at 1.58.
Value Bet: AS Roma to win & BTTS at 4.25.
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