Manchester United will aim to return to winning ways when they host Roma in the Champions League tonight.
The Red Devils are on a dreadful nine-match winless streak in all competitions and will be eager to end the run against the Giallorossi.
Ahead of the game, manager Michael Carrick will no doubt contemplate changes after the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea. We anticipate at least four.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Senne Lammens has had handling issues this season and should have done better to save Cole Palmer’s penalty on Saturday. Regardless, the Belgian remains an undisputed starter in goal for the Red Devils ahead of Karl Darlow.
In defence, we predict a solitary change from the Blues defeat. Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot should continue in the right and left-back positions, respectively. Harry Maguire, however, could have a different central defensive partner tonight.
Lisandro Martinez let the team down with a reckless sending-off at Stamford Bridge. He conceded a penalty in the process, which put the game beyond United’s sights. The Argentine is now suspended against Aston Villa in the league this weekend.
We have already covered an opinion on the need for a stable backline against both Roma and Villa. With that in mind, Matthijs de Ligt should partner Maguire in the heart of the defence, while also keeping his place against the Villans. It makes no sense to pick Martinez at centre-back tonight, knowing that he won’t be partnering Maguire on Sunday.
In central midfield, we anticipate an overhaul with Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba dropping to the bench. Youri Tielemans was an unused substitute over the weekend, and the Belgian could slot in the centre of the park alongside Kobbie Mainoo, who came on as a substitute against the Blues last weekend after missing four games due to injury.
In the final third, we are fancying a solitary change. Amad Diallo was wasteful in west London on Saturday. He got himself into brilliant scoring positions but lacked the cutting edge with his decision-making and finishing. The £37 million signing squandered two big chances, and we would personally drop him for Shea Lacey on the right wing. It is left to be seen whether Carrick makes the bold decision.
The rest of the attack should stay the same. Matheus Cunha should line up on the left wing, with Bryan Mbeumo upfront as the makeshift striker. Bruno Fernandes was disappointing with his finishing like many of his teammates on Saturday, but the Portuguese should be an undisputed starter from the number 10 position as United seek to return to winning ways.
How Man Utd could line up vs Roma