Champions League: Manchester United trail AS Roma 2-0 at half-time

03.11.26 FT Champions League

Manchester United

3

:

Roma

2

Manchester United are struggling at Old Trafford. The Red Devils trail AS Roma 2-0 at half-time on matchday four of the Champions League. The Italians made the difference in the opening quarter of an hour through Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen.

Soulé and Malen punish Manchester United

AS Roma quickly took control of the match. In the 11th minute, Matías Soulé opened the scoring and set the visitors on their way. Six minutes later, Donyell Malen doubled the lead from the penalty spot (17th minute), allowing Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to establish a two-goal advantage.

Despite slightly greater possession (54%), Manchester United are struggling to create danger. The English side have managed just one shot on target, compared with three for the Romans.

A first half marked by bookings

The match has also been lively from a disciplinary perspective. Bruno Fernandes and Matías Soulé were booked in the 20th minute. E. Lulli then received a yellow card in the 35th minute, before Donyell Malen was cautioned in the 42nd. AS Roma were also forced to make a substitution as early as the 21st minute, with D. Rensch making way for E. Lulli.

At the break, the statistics show a relatively even contest in terms of play, but Roma have been more clinical in front of goal. The Red Devils lead the number of duels won (28 to 18), but have been unable to capitalise on their chances. Two goals down in front of their home crowd, Manchester United will need to show a completely different side after the break if they are to get back into the match.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Manchester United

Roma

Champions League