By Salma El-Sakka
Manchester United host Roma at Old Trafford in a crucial Champions League fixture on Tuesday, with manager Michael Carrick fighting for his job after a nine-match winless run that has left the club hovering above the Premier League relegation zone.
Team News and Lineups
Carrick made two changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Chelsea, dropping Lisandro Martinez after his red card and bringing in Ayden Heaven, while Kobbie Mainoo replaces Andrey Santos in midfield. United's starting XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Baleba, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Roma's Goalkeeper Crisis
Roma are forced to field third-choice goalkeeper Devis Vazquez after first-choice Mile Svilar suffered a broken finger and backup Pierluigi Gollini failed a late fitness test with a back injury. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini also restored Leonardo Balerdi and Gianluca Mancini to a back three, with Devyne Rensch replacing Nahuel Molina. Roma XI: Vazquez; Balerdi, Mancini, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soule, Mora; Malen.
Carrick Under Pressure
United have not won in nine games for the first time in 40 years, and Carrick survived crisis talks at Carrington last week. The match against Roma, followed by a home game against Aston Villa on Sunday, could decide his future. Carrick acknowledged the pressure but insisted he would fight on.
Other Champions League Fixtures
Elsewhere in the competition, Barcelona host Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid face Bayern Munich, and Villarreal meet Paris Saint-Germain among the 8pm GMT kick-offs. Earlier, Shakhtar Donetsk lost 1-0 to Sporting CP at Stamford Bridge, while Galatasaray led Stuttgart 2-0.
