Manchester United endured a nightmare start against Roma in the Champions League with one big call going against them at Old Trafford
Ayden Heaven of Manchester United handles the ball leading to a penalty during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 3, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven conceded a penalty(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)
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Alan Shearer and former referee Mark Clattenburg believe it was right for Roma to be awarded a penalty after Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven blocked the ball with his hand. The teenager was making his first Champions League start at Old Trafford, but it got off to the worst possible start as United were all too easily picked apart.
In the 11th minute, Michael Carrick's side were carved open by the in-form Italians, who took the lead through Matias Soule. Not long after, the Roma forward saw another opportunity blocked by Heaven's arm. It was close range, but the referee did not hesitate before pointing to the spot.
Despite VAR reviewing the decision, the official's original call was allowed to stand. After Donyell Malen converted the spot-kick, Clattenburg and Shearer agreed with the decision, before the latter labelled the Reds as "embarrassing".
Looking at the incident for Amazon Prime, Clattenburg said: "Even with the check, the arm is outstretched.
"It's a shot on goal and the referees are normally...in the guidelines, when there's a shot on goal and the ball hits the hand, a penalty is going to be given and the referee is in a really good position."
Shearer then added: "No doubt about it, his arm was up and the ball was going towards the goal. It was always going to be given, especially in this competition.
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"Exactly the same thing has happened again. They lose the ball on Roma's left, they switch it to the right and they're so open again. It looks as if they've been punished. Mistakes all over the pitch. It's mistake after mistake after mistake. It's embarrassing. It really is."
After Malen sent Senne Lammens the wrong way, the mood at Old Trafford became toxic. Gian Piero Gasperini's side may have even had a third before half-time, were it not for a last-ditch tackle from Leny Yoro.
Not long after the Frenchman rescued United from further embarrassment, Shearer tore into Carrick's side, adding: "I'm seeing one team full of confidence and belief.
A dejected Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 3, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom
United endured a poor opening half an hour against Roma(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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"Every player on their team wants the ball and I'm seeing the other team that are devoid of ideas and devoid of any belief and confidence, playing with none whatsoever."
When asked what Carrick could possibly do at half-time, Shearer added: "I don't know where he starts at half-time, Michael Carrick. There's not been anything in this performance. I've not seen a tackle, I've not seen a pass, I've not seen an effort at goal.
"There's nothing from this performance to be positive about. It's been that poor in every department: defensively, all over the place. Midfield, no creativity and up front, no running in behind, no efforts at goal, no holding the ball up. It really has been embarrassing from them."