Donyell Malen goes into Manchester United's visit to AS Roma with 8 goals in 9 Serie A appearances in 2026 and 3 more in 3 Champions League games. Sky Sports say he is the top scorer in Europe’s major leagues this year, and the move to centre-forward has made him look like a different player. United face him on 3 November at Trafford, and the timing is awkward for a side already carrying a lot of baggage.

Gasperini's role change

G. Gasperini said he wanted Malen as a centre-forward because he is "deadly near the penalty area". Malen has said the role has brought him closer to where he wants to play, and that fits the numbers. He has 8 league goals already, plus 3 in Europe, and that pace has come in a Roma side that is scoring freely around him.

The raw output is one thing, the way he is doing it is the bigger point. Malen told Daily Mail it was his decision to leave Aston Villa because he wanted to play every week and feel important. He has also said Roma is the right place with the right people, and that confidence now shows in the final third.

United face the wrong version of Malen

There is a reason this looks so uncomfortable for United. They are 17th in the Premier League with 7 points after 9 matches, and their recent league form is LLDDD. That is not the backdrop you want when a striker in this kind of mood is standing across from you.

Malen's own explanation points to the key change. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I just want to be close to the goal." That has become the story at Roma, where his best work is now coming from central areas rather than drifting around the edge of the attack.

Roma are 3rd in Serie A with 24 points from 10 matches, so this is not just a hot spell from an isolated forward. They have a striker in form, a coach who has put him in the right place, and a Champions League tie on 3 November that asks United to deal with both at once.

FAQ

Why is Donyell Malen scoring so freely for AS Roma?

Malen says Roma's trust and his move into the centre-forward role have helped. He has 8 Serie A goals in 9 appearances and 3 more in 3 Champions League games in 2026, while G. Gasperini said he is strongest near the penalty area.

Will Manchester United have to face the best version of Donyell Malen?

Yes, United are facing him at a difficult time. Malen is the top scorer in Europe’s major leagues in 2026, and Roma have him producing both in Serie A and in the Champions League.

How has G. Gasperini changed Donyell Malen's role at Roma?

Gasperini moved Malen into a striker role and said he wanted him as a centre-forward because he is deadly near the penalty area. Malen has backed that up with 8 league goals and 3 in Europe in 2026.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →