Soulé and Malen put Roma in control at Old Trafford

Manchester United are in great difficulty against AS Roma. The Red Devils trail 2-0 at half‑time in the Champions League (Ligue) fourth‑matchday group fixture. At Old Trafford, Michael Carrick’s Les Red Devils have been punished by a particularly effective Roman side in front of goal.

Early dominance by Roma

The Italians (Italiens) opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Rodrigo Mora supplied Matías Soulé, who exploited space in the Manchester defence to beat Senne Lammens with his left foot. Five minutes later Roma earned a penalty after a Heaven intervention for a hand in the box. Donyell Malen converted the spot‑kick in the 17th minute, leaving the keeper stranded.

Manchester United tried to react, but their play lacked precision and their attacks struggled to trouble the defence. Bryan Mbeumo was contained by Leonardo Balerdi. Carlos Baleba attempted a long‑range effort that failed to find the frame. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo also sought danger without success.

In the second half the Romans continued to exploit spaces and could have widened the gap further. Matías Soulé came close to a third goal in added time, his curling shot brushing the top corner. At the break Manchester United find themselves back against the wall. The Red Devils must show a completely different face in the second period to hope for a comeback against a Roman formation that currently masters its subject.