Roma's attacking momentum meets a Manchester United side running out of answers
Manchester United need to halt a damaging run of results, with Michael Carrick under increasing pressure after another defeat. Roma arrive with 11 goals across their last three league matches, although injuries to several important players will test their depth.
Manchester United have reached a point where another defeat would deepen an already serious problem. Michael Carrick's side have gone nine matches without a win, and the latest setback against Chelsea followed damaging losses to Bournemouth and Como. Their difficulty is not simply finding goals; they have struggled to keep opponents away from dangerous positions.
Roma have the stronger attacking momentum, and United's recent defensive problems give the visitors a credible opportunity to take control of the match.
Roma offer a particularly difficult test. Gian Piero Gasperini's side scored five away to Udinese on 1 November, having already beaten Cagliari 4-2 and drawn 3-3 with Napoli. Eleven goals across those three league matches underline the attacking threat United must contain.
Donyell Malen has become an important part of that threat. His contribution in the victory over Udinese included two goals, while Roma's attacking movement has given them several routes into the final third. They will not have their full complement of players, however. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are listed as unavailable, while Paulo Dybala remains a doubt.
United have their own availability problems, with Luke Shaw, Benjamin Šeško, Patrick Dorgu and Marcus Rashford listed out by UEFA. Amad is doubtful after being forced off against Chelsea. The return of players to training should not be confused with confirmation that they are ready to play.
The question is whether United can give their defence enough protection to prevent Roma from turning their recent scoring form into another open game. If the hosts cannot improve their control without the ball, Roma have the attacking quality to make another difficult evening for Carrick.
