Manchester United will travel to Rome for their Europa League quarter-finals second leg with an aggregate score of 6-2.
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico
Key Statistics
- Man Utd remain unbeaten in all of their six previous meetings against Roma, including the win in the first leg.
- The 6-2 hammering at Old Trafford was the fourth occasion where Roma had conceded more than six goals in European competitions, with two coming against Man Utd.
- The Red Devils will qualify for the first final in any major competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Summary of the first leg
Manchester United have taken a giant stride towards the final following their emphatic 6-2 win over Roma in the first leg. However, it wasn’t plain sailing for the Red Devils as they had to concede two goals in the first half before completing an incredible turnaround after the break. Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavan were the stars as they scored a double each. Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood were also on the score sheet in the second half.
Roma
Roma have to wait for the arrival of Jose Mourinho until the summer as the former Tottenham boss was confirmed as the new manager of the Italian capital club.
For the time being, they are still under the reign of Paulo Fonseca, who has been put under scrutiny following a string of poor results.
Roma’s momentum has also taken a hit following their disappointing loss to Sampdoria at the weekend.
Currently stationed 7th in the Serie A table, the Giallorossi are out of the equation to qualify for the Champions League. Then only they can make it happen by winning the Europa League, which also looks far-fetched at the moment.
Possible line-ups
Alex Mirante; Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Cristante, Villar, Peres; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan; Edin Dzeko
We have to be realistic, obviously it won’t be easy to win 4-0. But in football I have seen and experienced many things, there is nothing that is impossible.
Compared to us they will certainly be fresher and, in addition, they have the advantage of the first-leg result, which will make them feel safe. However, we want to win and fight to the end.
Paolo Fonseca, Roma Manager
Manchester United
United will enter into the game as a relaxed unit given the huge advantage in the aggregate.
Although there might be a lot going off the pitch for the Red Devils – fans’ continuous protest against the glazers, which saw their game with Liverpool get cancelled, they have been quite brilliant this season.
Now, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must keep his feet on the ground until the tie is over regardless of the aggregate advantage.
We’re not going to play on the [first leg] result, we’re going to play to win this game. That’s the only way I think we can play this game. Of course there might be one or two changes in the selection, but we have to get into the final. Everyone says it’s done but I’ve seen bigger upsets than this. Roma beat Barcelona in a second leg after being 4-1 down.
We’ve spoken about whether Mason Greenwood is going to be wide right, or be a No9, because you’ve got to stick your head in there. He’s a pretty boy and I’m not sure if he’s going to do that. Keep doing what he does, he’s got a very bright future, I’m sure of that.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Manchester United manager
Possible line-ups
David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba; Mason Greenwood
Betting odds
Roma : Draw : Manchester United :: 3.75 : 4.00 : 1.85
| Roma Goal | Man Utd Goal | Odds | Qualification |
| 1 | 1 | 8.00 | Man Utd |
| 1 | 2 | 9.00 | Man Utd |
| 0 | 1 | 12.00 | Man Utd |
| 0 | 2 | 12.00 | Man Utd |
| 2 | 2 | 12.00 | Man Utd |
| 2 | 1 | 13.00 | Man Utd |
Prediction
Roma 1 – 2 Man Utd
