Manchester United rocked by two-goal Roma blitz before half-time

Manchester United face a difficult second half against AS Roma after falling 2-0 behind at Old Trafford in their fourth league-phase match of the Champions League.

Michael Carrick’s side were punished by a Roma team that made the most of its opportunities, with the visitors scoring twice in the space of six minutes.

Roma took the lead in the 11th minute when Rodrigo Mora found Matias Soule in space inside the Manchester United defence. Soule had time to set himself before placing a left-footed finish beyond Senne Lammens.

The hosts’ problems deepened soon afterwards when Heaven was penalised for handball inside the penalty area. Roma were awarded a penalty and Donyell Malen sent Lammens the wrong way with the spot-kick in the 17th minute.

Manchester United have tried to respond but have struggled to build attacks with enough precision to trouble the Italian side’s defence. Bryan Mbeumo has been closely contained by Leonardo Balerdi, while Carlos Baleba has attempted to provide a threat from distance without finding the target.

Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have also looked to create openings for the home side, but neither has been able to produce a decisive moment before the interval.

Roma, meanwhile, have continued to find room when moving forward and could have added a third goal before half-time. Soule came close in stoppage time when his curling effort narrowly missed the top corner.

Manchester United now trail 2-0 at the break and must produce a significantly improved performance after the restart if they are to recover in the match. AS Roma have controlled the contest so far and remain the more dangerous side in front of goal.