AS Roma vs Man United: Solskjaer’s men can’t lose this… or can they?

Seb Sternik
5 May 2021

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Man United must listen to fans’ views ahead of protest

Are we about to see one of the greatest comebacks in European football history? Or is this nothing more than a formality?

When: Thursday, May 6, 20:00 GMT

How to watch: BT Sport

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Over 4.5 goals at 16/5 (Betfair)

AS Roma to win at 3/1 (BoyleSports)

Edin Dzeko to score first at 13/10 (PaddyPower)

AS Roma forward, Edin Dzeko

Let me take you back to April 10, 2018. AS Roma are 4-1 down on aggregate going in to the second leg of their quarter-final Champions League tie with Barcelona.

Few gave them a chance. Few gave them hope. But somehow, someway, Roma spectacularly pulled off a 3-0 home win to progress into the semi-finals.

Before that famous comeback, Eusebio Di Francesco (Roma's manager at the time) gave his side two words of advice… don't concede. It's likely that current Roma boss, Paulo Fonseca, will provide similar words when his men take on Manchester United.

The Red Devils are 6-2 up on aggregate following their first leg victory at Old Trafford.

The chances of a comeback are miniscule but there are no guarantees in football. The task may be tall but Roma shouldn't be totally dismissed.

Last Three Matches

Man United vs AS Roma (Europa League - April 29, 2021)

Viewers were treated an epic encounter in the opening leg of this Europa League semi-final.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the hosts in the ninth minute however, their celebrations didn't last long.

Two goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Edin Dzeko saw the visitors go into the interval 2-1 up as the Italians threatened an upset.

The second half could not have been any different as the Red Devils seized control with five unanswered goals.

Edinson Cavani grabbed a brace and Fernandes got his second while Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood created further headway.

Man United 1-0 AS Roma (Champions League - April 9, 2008)

Carlos Tevez was the match winner when Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Roma in the 2007/08 Champions League quarter-final.

Daniele De Rossi squandered his penalty in the opening 30 minutes as the visitors missed a chance to take the lead.

Roma dominated proceedings, enjoyed more possession, created more shots however, they lacked quality to beat Edwin van der Sar.

AS Roma 0-2 Man United (Champions League - April 1, 2008)

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney gave Manchester United a healthy 2-0 lead in the opening leg of this Champions League quarter-final.

The Red Devils put on a clinical display at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, scoring two goals from their four shots on target.

Last five head-to-heads

AS Roma wins: 0

Draws: 1

Man Utd wins: 4

AS Roma goals: 3

Man Utd goals: 11

Never say never

As things stand, Roma are priced at 66/1 by Betfred to win the tie and progress to the final.

Would I take those odds? Personally, no. But I also wouldn't completely rule out a Roma comeback. Afterall, stranger things have happened.

Chris Smalling joined Roma from Manchester United

If the Italians are to pull off a miracle, everything has to fall into place. Firstly, they mustn't concede. Secondly, they must utilise Dzeko and constantly feed him opportunities. Thirdly, they must hope that Man United arrive in Rome with a pinch of complacency.

Roma are in dire form ahead of this fixture. However, recent news about Jose Mourinho joining them next season could galvanise the side to give the current man in charge a memorable send-off.

Off field drama challenges Solskjaer

When listening to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's comments in the pre-match press conference, it would seem there is a lot on his mind.

Man United's game at the weekend was postponed after fans stormed Old Trafford during a protest against the club's owners.

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer faced questions about the owners and admitted that he is in a difficult position and that he has received an apology from the Glazers.

Nevertheless, could all of this off-field drama have an impact on United's on-field performances? We'll find out this Thursday night.

Goalscorer bets

With Roma desperate to try and make something of this tie, Edin Dzeko has to be one of the main players to watch in the goalscorer markets.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international scored in the first leg and he's well priced to get amongst the goals again.

Man United star, Edinson Cavani

From a Man United perspective, Edinson Cavani is the obvious pick in this market. The forward scored five goals in his last five appearances - three of them coming after the 60th minute mark.

With that in mind, Cavani to score last at 5/1 (bet365) looks like a good bet.

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