Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his Roma side not to be distracted by Manchester United's "difficult period" ahead of their Champions League encounter.

Roma head to Old Trafford with four points from their opening three league phase matches, drawing with Fenerbahce and defeating Slovan Bratislava either side of a dramatic defeat to Real Madrid.

Only Barcelona (65.4%) average more possession in the 2026-27 Champions League than Roma (61.3%), while only Bratislava (2026) and Feyenoord (1864) have allowed their opponents more passes in the competition this season than United (1781).

Michael Carrick's United have also struggled domestically this term, sitting 17th in the Premier League after losing to Chelsea at the weekend.

The Red Devils are winless in nine games across all competitions (D3 L6), but Gasperini is preparing to face "the best Manchester United".

"In the league they are going through a difficult period for results, but we can't let ourselves be distracted," Gasperini said.

Sunday morning training ahead of Manchester United  Thanks @Udinese_1896 for your hospitality  #ASRoma https://t.co/FaHfMPgHRH

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) November 1, 2026

"United are still a strong team, they have players of absolute quality, and it's a hot, difficult environment. We are preparing as if we are facing the best Manchester United.

"Every situation is different. I don't know United's [situation] exactly, but I know they have strong players. You can suffer for a certain period, but then you manage to restart. Hopefully from the day after match!"

United and Roma have faced each other on eight occasions in Europe, with the Red Devils winning five of those (D1 L2).

The most recent meeting was won by Roma, however (3-2 in May 2021 in the Europa League).

Italian sides have faced United away from home in the European Cup/Champions League on 17 occasions, losing 13 of them (W3 D1).

The only three victories were all by a 1-0 scoreline: Juventus in 2018 and 1996, AC Milan in 2005.

Roma have only won two of their last 20 Champions League away games (D6 L12), while they have conceded in each of their last 32 on the road since a 2-0 win at Lyon in March 2007, the longest run without a clean sheet by any side away from home in European Cup history.