Manchester United and AS Roma lock horns at Old Trafford tonight in a high-stakes Champions League showdown that could redefine both clubs’ trajectories this season. The match, kicking off at 21:00, marks a critical juncture: United desperately need a win to end their seven-game winless streak, while Roma aim to consolidate their momentum as Serie A’s leading contenders.

United’s campaign has spiraled downward since their opening 4-0 triumph over Sabah. Back-to-back losses to Atlético Madrid and Como, followed by a 0-2 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, have left them flirting with the Premier League relegation zone. Roma, meanwhile, are riding a high after crushing Udinese 5-2, extending their unbeaten Serie A run to ten games. Their Champions League form has been equally impressive, with a dominant 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava last time out.

Manchester United: form, injuries, and probable lineup

Michael Carrick’s side is in crisis. Seven games without a win (4 draws, 3 losses), no goals scored in their last three matches, and a squad decimated by injuries. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, and Manuel Ugarte are sidelined, while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo are questionable after late incidents at Stamford Bridge. Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro return from suspension and injury respectively, but the defensive frailties remain exposed.

Up front, Bryan Mbeumo leads the attack with four league goals, supported by Matheus Cunha. Bruno Fernandes, dropped after criticizing tactics, has regained his starting spot and will captain the side. The midfield trio of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Mason Mount must provide steel to blunt Roma’s rampant attack.

Manchester United probable XI:

Senne Lammens – Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui – Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans – Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes (c), Matheus Cunha – Bryan Mbeumo.

Head coach: Michael Carrick

AS Roma: Gasperini’s machine and key absentees

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma are a force in Serie A and Europe. Invincible in ten league games, they dismantled Udinese with a 5-2 away win, showcasing their attacking prowess. In Europe, despite a nervy loss to Real Madrid, a 4-0 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava has restored belief. The Giallorossi’s high pressing and fluid transitions make them a nightmare for defensive teams.

Injuries have hit Roma too. Mile Svilar (broken finger), Manu Koné (leg injury), Paulo Dybala (calf), and Lorenzo Pellegrini (thigh) are out, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into goal. Donyell Malen leads the attack with eight Serie A goals, ably supported by playmaker Matías Soulé and midfield dynamo Bryan Cristante.

AS Roma probable XI:

Pierluigi Gollini – Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso – Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley – Matías Soulé, Donyell Malen.

Head coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Where to watch Manchester United vs AS Roma live

The Champions League clash unfolds at Old Trafford this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the 21:00 kick-off. Live coverage is available on CANAL+ LIVE 5 in France, accessible via TV, web, mobile app, or connected devices. Streaming is exclusive to CANAL+ subscribers through their official platform and app across all devices.

Historical duels: an Old Trafford fortress

Manchester United have dominated past meetings with AS Roma. Across eight previous Champions League encounters, the Red Devils have won five, drawn one, and lost just two. The most memorable clash came in 2007 during the quarter-finals: Roma stunned Old Trafford with a 2-1 win in the first leg, but a 7-1 demolition in the return sealed United’s passage to the semi-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in that rout, signaling the start of a golden era for the club.

United went on to win the Champions League that season, while Roma’s European adventures often ended in heartbreak. Their most recent direct duel in 2021, a Europa League semi-final, saw United win 6-2 at home before Roma won the return 3-2, but ultimately, the tie was decided in Manchester’s favor.

Match odds: who’s favored at Old Trafford?

Bookmakers see Manchester United as slight favorites with odds of 2.15 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.65, while AS Roma’s victory is at 2.62. Form, home advantage, and historical dominance weigh in United’s favor, but Roma’s attacking firepower and disciplined Serie A form make this a tight contest.

For United, a victory is essential to halt their alarming decline. For Roma, a draw or win would send a strong message to Europe’s elite. One thing is certain: Old Trafford will be a cauldron of noise tonight — and the football promises to match the stakes.

By Yacouba Ouédraogo — Journalist