Roma stayed unbeaten in Serie A with a convincing win at Udine before Tuesday's Champions League visit to Manchester United. They arrive missing key players and after a crowded run of games, which gives a winless United a narrow opening on a night that could shape Michael Carrick's future.

Roma head to Old Trafford in form. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side made the trip to the Bluenergy Stadium on 31 October for Serie A matchday 10.

The game was settled early. Captain Bryan Cristante headed in Wesley’s cross after 10 minutes. He then set up Rodrigo Mora’s tap-in after 31. Malen struck after 33 and Ndicka added a fourth in the 37th minute.

Zaniolo on 50 minutes and Palma on 78 replied for Udinese. Ghilardi completed the scoring for Roma in the 92nd minute.

Gasperini said Roma’s concentration dropped after going 4-0 up because they play in Manchester three days later. He added that it was their eighth game in less than 20 days. His line-up was also rotated with United in mind.

Roma’s injury list and fixture load give United an opening

Roma went to Udine without Dybala, who has a calf problem, or goalkeeper Svilar, who has a toe injury. Koné and Pellegrini both have hamstring problems. Those absences, together with the crowded schedule, are the clearest encouragement for United.

Roma remain a dangerous attacking side, however. Their only defeat in any competition this season was a 4-3 home loss to Real Madrid on 14 October. Six days later they beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Rome.

Cristante’s message after the win was that Roma would not underestimate a United side that will want to bounce back. He sees a positive result as crucial to Roma’s Champions League position.

Carrick’s winless United face a direct fight for a knockout place

United’s recent results offer little comfort. The defeat at Stamford Bridge stretched their winless run to its worst since September 1984. After the break United fell apart, and Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card. Cole Palmer scored a penalty and Morgan Rogers added a solo goal.

That leaves a weakened defence to face Roma’s forwards. The European picture adds to the pressure. Only a single point separates the two clubs in the league phase, so Tuesday is a straight contest for a place in the knockout rounds.

Carrick expects to still be in charge for the Roma fixture, he said after the Chelsea game. He is looking forward to preparing his players for the midweek game.

United host Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday 3 November, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.