Manchester United welcomed Roma in the Champions League with Michael Carrick under pressure following a difficult run of results. United had not won in nine matches, sat 17th in the Premier League and arrived after two defeats in the competition, according to the match coverage.
Carrick described the fixture as a major challenge and said United wanted to test themselves against strong opponents. He also explained that the team selection reflected the strengths of the players available, including the decision to bring Kobbie back into midfield alongside Baleba.
The away section displayed green and gold balloons in protest against United’s ownership. The match also began with a minute’s silence for Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a second-division game.
Roma gave a debut to third-choice goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, 28, who previously had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. United defender Lisandro Martínez was left out of the starting side, prompting speculation about how Carrick would arrange his back four.
The report said Carrick’s immediate future could depend on United’s two fixtures that week, with Aston Villa due to visit on Sunday. United had shown promising signs against Chelsea, but that performance later unravelled, leaving the team under pressure to deliver results.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.