Manchester United face crucial Champions League test against Roma

Manchester United must respond when they host AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase.

The Red Devils have lost their past two European away matches and now face a Roma side arriving in confident form. With qualification hopes already under pressure, Michael Carrick’s side cannot afford another setback.

Manchester United have three points from their opening three matches and sit 21st in the table. They began their campaign with a victory before suffering defeats by Atletico de Madrid, who won 2-0, and Como, who recorded a 4-1 success.

Roma are in a slightly stronger position, occupying 15th place with four points. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team ended a difficult start to their European campaign with a 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their most recent match.

That result followed a defeat by Real Madrid and a draw against Fenerbahce, leaving Roma above Manchester United in the league-phase standings ahead of their meeting in Manchester.

The visitors’ recent momentum has added significance to the contest. Their attack has been particularly productive, with Donyell Malen and Matias Soule among the players helping to drive that form.

Manchester United, by contrast, need to rediscover their attacking efficiency while tightening up at the other end. The English club have conceded several goals in their recent matches, creating another area of concern before Roma’s visit.

Home advantage could prove important for the Red Devils, but they will need to produce a considerably improved performance if they are to overcome the Italian side.