Struggling Manchester United head into Tuesday’s Champions League matchday four encounter against 15th-placed Roma at Old Trafford winless in nine consecutive matches.
The 21st-placed Red Devils’ last victory in any competition came against European debutants Sabah almost two months ago, highlighting the uphill challenge facing a beleaguered Michael Carrick ahead of what could be his final match in charge if they suffer another defeat.
Carrick received the dreaded vote of confidence less than a week
ago after the 3-0 hammering by Bournemouth, but United, now 17th in the Premier League table and outside the relegation zone on goal difference, cannot keep losing indefinitely; something has to give.
The Giallorossi have reason to believe that their current form can inflict further misery on the Premier League strugglers, given their five-match unbeaten streak, which includes four victories.
Particularly striking is Roma’s free-scoring form, with the Serie A club netting three or more goals in four of those five unbeaten matches, although their defensive frailties remain a concern ahead of facing United’s admittedly underwhelming attack.
Gasperini’s men enter matchday four having conceded three in a six-goal thriller against Napoli, two in a 4-2 victory over out-of-form Cagliari and another two in Saturday’s 5-2 hammering of relegation-threatened Udinese.
Roma have suffered several chastening defeats against United, including a 7-1 hammering in 2007 and a 6-2 beatdown in 2021, but the Giallorossi will back themselves to finally win at Old Trafford and increase the pressure on Carrick.
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Martinez may be suspended domestically, but the centre-back – despite doubts about his commitment – should partner Harry Maguire, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot on either side of the central defenders.
Bruno Fernandes’s role on Tuesday night will be intriguing, as Carrick could deploy Youri Tielemans in an advanced central position and move the Portuguese playmaker out wide, with Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo potentially forming the midfield base.
That would likely leave Mason Mount as the third attacking midfielder behind Bryan Mbeumo, with Matheus Cunha limited to a role off the bench.
Missing out, though, are Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko, while Marcus Rashford and Amad will be assessed.
