In brief
Manchester United will welcome AS Roma at Old Trafford on 3 November 2026 for a Champions League match. Lineups feature United’s 4‑2‑3‑1 with Lammens at goal, while Roma are expected to field a 3‑4‑2‑1 in an attempt to arrest their midfield crisis. Both sides face injury concerns that could shape the tactical battle.
Manchester United will host AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, with the Champions League match scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. GMT. The encounter is matchday four of the group stage, after United’s squad hit a nine‑match winless run across all competitions and Roma come in on a four‑point haul from three spin‑off fixtures.
According to IRNA, United are made up behind a line of experienced defenders with Lammens in goal, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire and Dalot in the back and a midfield of Tielemans and Mainoo to support the attacking quartet of Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo.
Team news and injury concerns
United will be without Marcus Rashford, who is still coping with a hip problem. Benjamin Šeško, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu have also been listed as injury concerns – Dorgu has returned to training after a hamstring issue but is deemed not yet ready for competitive action. Amad Diallo sustained a knock against Chelsea, but the injury is not deemed likely to keep him out of the fixture. Lisandro Martínez will travel with the squad as a Champions League player despite a domestic suspension but his recent performances could prompt a defensive reshuffle from the manager.
United’s midfield could see Mainoo return to the starting XI after his sub appearance against Chelsea. Carlos Baleba could be displaced as Youri Tielemans is anticipated to retain his place.
Roma, meanwhile, are missing goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielders Manu Koné – who is a hamstring injury – and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Svilar is expected to remain unavailable until after the international break, while Koné’s hamstring issue could force the team to adapt its midfield selection.
Both sides have noted injuries that could shape tactics: a stretched Roma midfield and a United attack missing a key front‑line player.
Forza Football, which also issued predictions close to match day, lists United’s 4‑2‑3‑1 with Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Santos; Fernandes and a forward lineup that may feature Paulo Dybala. Roma’s 3‑4‑2‑1 features Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso, Molina and Cristante; De Roon, Wesley, Soulé; Mora and Malen.
TNT Sports, which published a brief prediction, also highlighted United’s Lammens, Dalot, De Ligt and Maguire, and noted a possible return for Mainoo showing a muscle problem, a concern for Manu Kone and a doubt over Dybala’s targeting for a return.
The match fielding the Nolan‑owned front‑line injuries will carry additional tactical nuance. While United are titularly building a stable spine, Roma have to checkpoint the effectiveness of a three‑man defensive system if injuries persist in midfield. The game will also be a test for United’s seven‑match goal drought and Roma’s desire to add points to push their odd chances to hope against a powerful Juventus‑level side that Rome is aspiring to emulate.
