Manchester United under Carrick pressure as Roma arrive in form

Manchester United travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday night for their Champions League tie against AS Roma, with manager Michael Carrick under intense pressure as United sit 21st in the 36‑team group and have failed to win in their previous nine matches.

The preview offers the latest team news and a score prediction for the match.

Form test for United

The Red Devils have already suffered two heavy European defeats this season, a 2‑0 loss at Atletico Madrid and a 4‑1 collapse at Como.

A further 2‑0 defeat at Chelsea over the weekend followed a pattern of a bright start, loss of control and eventual punishment.

Lisandro Martinez was sent off in that game, although his suspension applies only to domestic competitions.

United currently occupy 21st place in the Champions League group, leaving little margin for error.

Carrick also faces personal injury problems, which only partly explain the team's struggles.

Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte remain long‑term absentees, while Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu are also unavailable.

Marcus Rashford has missed the last three games with a hip injury but could return to the matchday squad.

Amad Diallo will be assessed after being forced off late against Chelsea.

Kobbie Mainoo is fit to start after coming off the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Martinez is available for European matches, yet his recent poor form has left his place in doubt.

Roma's attacking edge

Roma sit 15th in the same Champions League group but appear more directioned, having recorded a 4‑0 win over Slovan Bratislava, a 1‑1 draw away to Fenerbahce and a narrow 4‑3 defeat to Real Madrid.

In Serie A they are third after an unbeaten start of seven wins and three draws.

Roma arrived in Manchester with momentum, having beaten Udinese 5‑2 on Saturday without reporting new injuries.

Mile Svilar, Manu Kone and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all out, while Paulo Dybala could return after recovering from a calf injury.

Forward Donyell Malen, a former Aston Villa player, has already scored three Champions League goals this season and 11 in all competitions.

Roma lead Serie A scoring with 28 goals in ten matches, evenly split between home and away.

Their recent league results include a 3‑3 draw, 4‑2 and 5‑2 victories, and a 4‑3 Champions League loss to Real Madrid.

Bookmakers list United as 5/4 favourites, Roma at 7/4 and a draw at 3/1.

United's recent 4‑1 defeat at Como undermines assumptions of domestic superiority.

Roma have lost only once in 13 matches this season.

United have not won since a 4‑0 home victory over Sabah on 10 September.

The clubs last met in 2021, producing a 6‑2 United win and a 3‑2 Roma win in the Europa League semi‑finals.

Roma have scored eight goals in three Champions League games this season, while United have struggled defensively.

The kick‑off is set for 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 3 November at Old Trafford.

The preview predicts a 1‑3 victory for Roma.