Roma boss plays down Man Utd's struggles before Champions League clash

Gian Piero Gasperini is not getting "hung up" on Manchester United 's miserable form as the Roma boss attempts to mastermind a famous Old Trafford triumph. Michael Carrick 's Red Devils limp into Tuesday's Champions League encounter on the back of a nine-match winless streak that has included defeats away to Atletico Madrid and Como.

The4-1 defeat at Cesc Fabregas' ever-improving sidea fortnight ago sent United into a tailspin that they are desperate to end against a Roma side buoyed by their unbeaten start to the Serie A season. "But we can't get distracted and too hung up on that situation because we know that Manchester United is a strong team, we know that they have top players in their squad.

We know what the atmosphere is going to be like here as well. They make things very difficult for the opposition here at Old Trafford, so we'll be playing tomorrow's game as if we're playing against Manchester United at the top of its form.

Gasperini, who at 68 knows the ups and down of management as well as anybody, continued: I don't really know why Manchester United are experiencing the difficulties that they are at the moment. I hope that is what happens to Manchester United.

Roma have lost all four previous trips to Old Trafford, including a 7-1 defeat in 2007 which saw Carrick hit a brace in an unforgettable Champions League quarter-final second leg. The midfielder was still playing for United when Marten de Roon spent the 2016-17 campaign with Middlesbrough and the experienced Roma star said: I looked up to him.

He was a great midfielder, a great passer of the ball, understood the game very well. Played in one of the strongest Manchester United teams that we have ever seen, so, yeah, lots of respect for him.

We are looking forward to tomorrow and to have a great night in a fantastic stadium. We shouldn't underestimate them because of the results lately.

But, for sure, we want to make a great result tomorrow."