In brief
Old Trafford will host a Champions League match between Manchester United and AS Roma on 3 November 2026. United are grappling with a nine‑match winless run and the injury to Marcus Rashford, while Roma must deal with the unavailability of goalkeeper Mile Svilar and key midfielders. Predicted lineups show United in a 4‑2‑3‑1 set‑up and Roma deploying a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation.
The silver‑lined terraces of Old Trafford will light up on 3 November 2026 for a Champions League match between Manchester United and AS Roma, with kickoff at 8 p.m. GMT.
Manchester United come into the game on the back of a nine‑match winless run that stretches across all competitions, while Roma, who have scored at least three goals in four of their last five matches, bring a question mark with their goal risk that comes after the international break.
United’s manager Michael Carrick faces selection puzzle after a 2‑0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League. The centre‑back slot could see a different choice following the dismissal of Lisandro Martínez at Stamford Bridge, with the suspended defender still fit for European duty, though his domestic suspension remains in force.
In midfield, the absence of Marcus Rashford ‑ who is still recovering from a hip problem ‑ leaves the squad without its usual creative number ten. But Patrick Dorgu is back training after healing from a hamstring injury and is expected to be fit for the fixture.
Forward line‑up also faces potential drops, with Benjamin Šeško, Luke Shaw, and Manuel Ugarte listed as injured. Amad Diallo, who sustained a knock in the Chelsea defeat, is also on the injury list, though he is not expected to be unavailable for the match.
On the Roma side, the biggest absence is goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has been sidelined until after the international break. Midfield is also in a quandary with Manu Koné left out on a hamstring and Lorenzo Pellegrini missing for the second consecutive game.
Both clubs have pre‑tournament points to chase, with Roma having gained four points from three Champions League matches, while United have secured three.
Predicted line‑ups have emerged for both teams. Manchester United’s suggested formation is a 4‑2‑3‑1 line‑up, with Vincent Lammens starting at left‑back and Yoro Harrington right‑back. In central defence, Marcel De Ligt and Harry Maguire pair with the return of Munir Dalot. The midfield trio would include Boubacar Tielemans and the returning Kelechi Mainoo alongside Lewis Diallo, while the front‑five would see Marcus Fernandes, Bernardo Cunha, and Bradley Mbeumo moving into the numbered positions.
For Roma, a 3‑4‑2‑1 is the most likely arrangement. The back‑three are Ghero Gollini on goalkeeper, Ivan Mancini, and Algeria's Ndicka. The midfield side would comprise an attacking duo of Ansu Her‑Remi Molina and Alexander Cristante, with a life‑line provided by Steven De Roon and Diego Wesley on the right wing. The front line would again keep the familiar style, with Matias Soulé and Rowan Mora carrying an attack that has been built around Donyell Malen.
Both teams will also likely opt for the same squad sizes normally used in Champions League stage games. Manchester United arguably wants a different defensive setup following a heavy defeat at Chelsea, while Roma will keep its familiar three‑man defence to protect their goal.
Analysts anticipate that Manchester United will look to head the game in the first half with a focus on an attacking output, while Roma would focus on counter‑attacking play. United’s winless streak is in spite of the attacking talent of players like Rashford and the more recent improvements shown by the midfield.
