After persistent domestic struggles, Manchester United turn their attention to their next European challenge in the form of a high-flying AS Roma side, who, under Gian Piero Gasperini, are enjoying renewed status as one of Italy’s powerhouses.
Michael Carrick, conversely, is fighting not only to rescue United’s Champions League hopes, but also his job, as pressure continues to mount with recent form plunging United into the bottom four league positions.
With confidence dwindling and questions mounting over the direction of the club, a convincing European performance could provide some much-needed respite.
A response is crucial
Aspects of the performance during the 2-0 loss to Chelsea on the weekend offered glimmers of hope, but the prevailing sentiment after full-time was that of a squad of players who cannot be relied upon, letting another head coach down. Martinez’s defensive decrepitude, lack of composure, and resulting sending-off exposed him as one of several players in the collective who no longer justify their status as Manchester United players.
It was another afternoon in which United’s individual shortcomings proved costly, with a lack of discipline, concentration, and composure undermining what had otherwise been a relatively encouraging first-half performance.
Different managers, different systems, and different combinations of players have all produced largely the same outcome, with United repeatedly finding ways to shoot themselves in the foot when a positive result appears within reach.
Several other senior players failed to evidence why they are among the best-paid players in the Premier League, and must provide a convincing response on Tuesday evening. There is only so much responsibility that can be placed at the door of the head coach when the same mistakes continue to appear on the pitch. At some point, the players themselves must take accountability for performances that have fallen so far below the required standards.
Roma, who sit one point above a Como side that played United off the park in October, will pose a test comparable to any team faced so far this season. Under Gasperini, the Italians possess the organisation, intensity, and individual quality to punish the sort of mistakes United have made repeatedly in recent weeks. A response is therefore required not only in terms of the result, but also in the attitude, application, and discipline shown across the ninety minutes.
Team News
Carrick’s squad is still without a number of key players, as Rashford, Shaw, Ugarte, and Sesko continue their recovery from injury. Amad appeared to come off in some pain against Chelsea, but he is expected to be fit and available on Tuesday evening.
Patrick Dorgu made his return to training on Monday morning for the first time since suffering an injury for Denmark against Wales in late September. United’s left-back position has been a point of particular weakness this season, as United failed to find support for Luke Shaw in the transfer market, and so Dorgu’s return could ease the strain on that area of the pitch.
Leny Yoro is also expected to come back into the fold, having served a one-match suspension for the Como game following his sending-off against Atletico Madrid in early October. The Frenchman is one of few players who can be happy with recent performances, and will be an important part of Carrick’s defence, either from right-back or centre-back.
Tactical Overview
In any Gasperini side, you can expect a high level of intensity, running, and directness at the very least. United have struggled all season against teams that press with structure and aggression, and Roma will offer precisely that sort of challenge.
Gasperini’s preferred system is built around aggressive, man-oriented pressing, with players willing to follow their direct opponents across the pitch rather than simply hold their positions. This can make it particularly difficult for opponents to establish any rhythm in possession, especially in midfield, where United’s tendency to become disjointed could be exposed. Mainoo’s ability to receive under pressure and progress the ball despite an opposition press will therefore be particularly important.
Roma’s wing-backs are another major feature of their approach, providing width and attacking numbers, while the forwards and supporting midfielders look to create overloads in the half-spaces. United’s full-backs will need to be disciplined in their positioning, or risk leaving dangerous gaps between the defensive and midfield lines.
Gasperini’s aggressive defensive structure can leave considerable space behind the wing-backs, particularly when Roma commit numbers forward. The pace and direct running of Amad, Mbeumo, and Cunha could prove valuable in exploiting those spaces, provided they can move the ball quick enough and offer enough off-ball support for each-other. Too often in recent games an attacking player has found themselves on the ball in a dangerous area with no nearby support to combine with, stifling any chance of a goalscoring opportunity.
If United allow themselves to be dragged into a frantic, transitional contest, similar to this season’s humiliations against the likes of Brighton, Como, and Bournemouth, Gasperini’s side could have the upper hand. If they can retain composure, beat the press, and exploit the spaces left behind, there are opportunities to hurt the visitors.
Predicted XI
Lammens;
Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot;
Mainoo, Baleba;
Fernandes;
Amad, Mbeumo, Cunha.
Despite Dorgu’s late return to training, it’s unlikely he will be deemed ready to start at left-back, and so Dalot retains his spot from the Chelsea loss, if only for a lack of true alternatives. Heaven, Maguire, and Yoro make up the remainder of the backline, just ahead of mainstay Senne Lammens in goal.
Mainoo sat alongside Carrick in the pre-match press conference, indicating that he will likely make his first start since returning from his brief injury absence. The midfielder has arguably been the Reds’ best player so far this season, and could have a stabilising effect on United’s otherwise erratic football.
United’s attack was arguably the most encouraging aspect of their first-half performance against Chelsea, with a number of meaningful chances created throughout the opening forty-five minutes. Only a frustrating lack of cutting edge in the final third stopped Carrick’s men from being two or three goals up going into the break, and so the Geordie could do with keeping that attacking quartet unchanged for this one.
Score Prediction
United desperately need a performance, and there are enough encouraging signs from the Chelsea game to suggest they can produce one. Roma will undoubtedly provide a stern examination of Carrick’s side, particularly given their organisation, intensity, and attacking threat.
With home advantage and the quality available in the final third, United should have enough to edge what promises to be a difficult encounter.
Manchester United 2-1 AS Roma
