Man Utd predicted XI vs Roma: Tielemans returns as Carrick makes two changes

Manchester United host AS Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 20:00 UK time, with manager Michael Carrick expected to make two changes to his midfield. £35 million summer signing Youri Tielemans is set to return alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba dropping out.

  • Kick-off: 20:00 UK time, Wednesday 4 November 2026
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
  • Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase matchday four
  • Headline selection: Youri Tielemans returns in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo
  • Changes: Two changes from the Chelsea defeat – Tielemans and Mainoo in for Santos and Baleba
  • At stake: United seek first win in ten matches after nine without victory in all competitions

Predicted line-up

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot; Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Bryan Mbeumo.

Substitutes: Not stated in source.

Selection notes

Carrick is expected to keep an unchanged defence despite the poor run. Luke Shaw remains injured, so Diogo Dalot continues at left-back with Leny Yoro at right-back. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez partner in central defence. Senne Lammens keeps his place in goal.

The double pivot is the area Carrick is set to alter. Against Chelsea in the Premier League at the weekend, United's midfield lacked physicality and control, and their lack of cohesion was exploited by Morgan Rogers. As a result, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba could drop out, with Tielemans returning alongside Mainoo.

Further forward, Bruno Fernandes continues at number 10. Amad Diallo was wasteful versus Chelsea but is expected to be entrusted on the right wing again. Matheus Cunha, who had a goal ruled out in the first half of the previous fixture, could also start. Bryan Mbeumo retains his place as the solitary striker, with Benjamin Sesko ruled out until next year.

Injury and availability

Luke Shaw is injured and unavailable at left-back. Benjamin Sesko is ruled out until next year. No return dates are given for either player. Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba are fit but expected to drop to the bench as Carrick reshapes his midfield.

Why Carrick is turning to Tielemans and Mainoo

The midfield against Chelsea was overrun. Morgan Rogers exploited the lack of physicality and control in United's double pivot, and Carrick has seemingly seen enough. Youri Tielemans, a £35 million summer signing, offers composure and passing range that Santos and Baleba did not provide. Kobbie Mainoo brings energy and ball-carrying ability.

The partnership should give United more control in possession, which is vital against a Roma side that will look to counter. Tielemans can dictate tempo from deep, while Mainoo can break lines. It is a significant show of faith in the £35 million man, who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter.

Up front, Bryan Mbeumo leads the line alone with Sesko out. Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha must provide better end product than they did against Chelsea. Bruno Fernandes remains the creative hub at number 10. The defence is unchanged, but the midfield is where Carrick believes the game will be won.

Talking points

  • Is dropping both Santos and Baleba the right call, or does it leave United too lightweight physically against Roma?
  • Tielemans cost £35 million but has not nailed down a starting spot – is this his moment to justify the fee?
  • Amad Diallo was wasteful against Chelsea – why does Carrick keep faith with him on the right wing?
  • Nine games without a win – should Carrick be under more pressure, or does the Champions League offer a welcome distraction?

What happens next

United face Roma at Old Trafford on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 20:00 UK time. A win would end a nine-match winless run and revive their Champions League league phase campaign. Defeat would heap further pressure on Carrick ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixtures.

Frequently asked questions

Is Youri Tielemans starting for Manchester United vs Roma?

Yes, Tielemans is expected to return to the starting XI alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.

Who is dropped from the Manchester United midfield?

Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba could drop out after the Chelsea defeat, with Tielemans and Mainoo coming in.

What time is Manchester United vs Roma kick-off?

The match kicks off at 20:00 UK time on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at Old Trafford.

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