According to a report by Flashscore on Tuesday November 3, 2026, Manchester United endured a difficult first half against AS Roma in their Champions League clash, heading into the break trailing 2-0 after conceding twice within the opening 17 minutes.

Matias Soule opened the scoring before Donyell Malen doubled the visitors' advantage from the penalty spot. Several United players struggled to make a meaningful impact, while defensive mistakes and missed opportunities left the hosts with a mountain to climb.

1. Ayden Heaven

Ayden Heaven had a difficult opening half after his handball inside the penalty area gave Roma the opportunity to extend their lead. The defender was penalised in the 16th minute after handling the ball inside the box. Malen subsequently converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-0. Although Heaven was not directly responsible for Roma's opening goal, his costly mistake put United in an even worse position.

2. Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes struggled to provide the attacking quality United needed during the first half. His attempted pass into the penalty area in the ninth minute was intercepted by a Roma defender. He later received a yellow card in the 20th minute before sending a mid-range free kick straight into the defensive wall. His effort from the edge of the box in the 44th minute also sailed over the crossbar, highlighting his frustrating afternoon.

3. Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha failed to make his attacking involvement count despite having opportunities to trouble Roma. His pass to Fernandes in the 14th minute ended with the Portuguese midfielder being dispossessed. Cunha also saw his powerful effort from outside the penalty area blocked in the 24th minute. Three minutes later, he committed a holding foul that disrupted United's attempt to build an attack.

4. Bryan Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo struggled to create a significant threat against Roma's defence. The forward attempted a solo run in the 34th minute but was stopped by an opposing defender before he could create a scoring opportunity. His inability to turn that attacking effort into a meaningful chance summed up United's frustrating first-half performance.