Roma forced into THREE first-half substitutions in bizarre spate of injuries at Manchester United

Roma forced into THREE first-half substitutions in bizarre spate of injuries against Manchester United in Europa League semi-final… with goalkeeper Pau Lopez among those forced off for the visitors 

  • Roma saw three of their players forced off in the first half at Old Trafford
  • Injuries ran through the Italian side in their clash against Manchester United
  • Jordan Veretout went off injured within five minutes of the match starting
  • Goalkeeper Pau Lopez followed before Leonardo Spinazzola also pulled up

Roma were forced into three first-half substitutions in a bizarre turn of misfortune in the first leg of their Europa League semi final against Manchester United.

Jordan Veretout lasted less than five minutes for the visitors at Old Trafford, before he pulled up as he tried to run away from Luke Shaw.

The Italian side’s goalkeeper Pau Lopez made a smart save to deny Paul Pogba just before the hour mark, but he went down straight after clutching his shoulder and was unable to continue.

Jordan Veretout was forced off the pitch against Manchester United inside five minutes

Goalkeeper Pau Lopez suffered a shoulder injury saving a Paul Pogba and could not continue

Goalkeeper Pau Lopez suffered a shoulder injury saving a Paul Pogba and could not continue

Lopez tried to swing his shoulder and loosen it up in an attempt to carry on, but 37-year-old backup goalkeeper Antonio Mirante was brought on for his first European appearance of the season.

Leonardo Spinazzola was involved in Roma’s second goal with a good run down the left wing, but he became the latest player to pull up and was forced off and replaced by Bruno Peres.

It all added up to leave the two sides playing five minutes of added time at the end of the first half. 

Roma will be grateful that five substitutions are allowed in the Europa League, ensuring they still had two remaining after the injury crisis.