Roma's Malen targets Old Trafford strike to deepen Manchester United's nine-game winless run

Donyell Malen will attempt to inflict further damage on Manchester United when Roma visit Old Trafford on Tuesday in the Champions League, with Michael Carrick’s side still searching for a first win in nine games.

The Dutch striker, 27, was reportedly on United’s radar ahead of last summer’s transfer window, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claiming the Red Devils were among several Premier League clubs interested in signing him. His valuation at the time was said to be double the £21 million Roma had agreed to pay Aston Villa, and no deal was ever struck. Instead, Malen completed a permanent move to the Italian capital after a prolific loan spell in which he scored 15 goals in 20 appearances.

He has carried that form into the current season, netting 11 goals in 12 games — including a Serie A hat-trick against Fiorentina on the opening weekend. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport last month, Malen explained why he chose Roma over other suitors. “It was my decision. I wanted to play and be part of a team where I could take the field every weekend and play an important role,” he said. “At that stage, I didn’t feel important, so I think I made the best choice. Today I feel I’m in the right place with the right people.”

The timing of Roma’s visit could hardly be worse for United. Carrick’s tenure has been defined so far by inconsistency, and a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como earlier in the campaign intensified scrutiny on the 45-year-old manager. Despite the pressure, Carrick struck a defiant tone in his pre-match press conference. “You never know what is going to happen in the future, but that doesn’t change the way I feel,” he said. “I can’t wait for the game tomorrow. You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had, but I can’t wait for it.”

Malen, meanwhile, believes Roma have the collective quality to make a deep run in Europe. “As a team, we were strong and connected, and I immediately had a very good feeling,” he said. “We can build on moments like these and do something special.”

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side qualified for the Champions League on the back of Malen’s goals last season, and the forward’s clinical finishing will present a stern test for a United defence that has already conceded four in the competition this term.