Carrick 'can't wait' for Roma clash as United's winless run hits nine
Michael Carrick says he is relishing Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Roma despite a nine-match winless run, while Kobbie Mainoo insists the squad is one win from turning its season around.
Michael Carrick has acknowledged that his optimism may seem "crazy" given Manchester United's form, but the manager says he is genuinely looking forward to Tuesday's Champions League game against Roma at Old Trafford. United go into the match without a win in nine games across all competitions, their worst run since 1988-89, and they have not gone ten without a victory in a single campaign since 1977-78. There is a growing sense that Carrick could lose his job during the upcoming international break.
The backdrop is grim: United sit 17th in the Premier League and are 21st in the Champions League table after three matches, having lost to Atletico Madrid and Como, with only the top 24 progressing. Roma, by contrast, have lost just once this season, at home to Real Madrid last month after leading 3-1 with seven minutes remaining. Carrick said he cannot predict the future but that it does not change how he feels, adding that United want to make it a big night.
Carrick watched a lively open training session at Carrington, where Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba were particularly vocal and Lisandro Martinez was fully involved despite his red card at Chelsea, which drew a negative reaction. While some have called for Martinez to be dropped, Carrick was philosophical, saying things happen in football and that players make decisions and mistakes. He dismissed concerns about Martinez's commitment and that of the whole squad, describing the dressing room as a good place and insisting commitment is not an issue, though he admitted United need to play better and make better decisions.
Kobbie Mainoo, sitting alongside Carrick at the media conference, stressed the strength of the group. The England midfielder returned from a four-match absence with a muscular problem as a second-half substitute at Chelsea. At 21 he is among the youngest in the squad but, having joined the club at seven, also the longest serving. He said he has long known there will be ups and downs, that this has been a tough season, and that he feels United are one win away from changing it.
Mainoo called the club's current position unacceptable for a club of United's size, pointing to the values passed down by those who have worked and played there. He said he takes some responsibility for spreading that message after coming through the academy. Supporters have grown increasingly restless amid the slump, with many questioning the manager's position, though such views are opinion rather than confirmed fact.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
