Michael Carrick concedes it may sound “crazy,” but the embattled Manchester United manager says he is genuinely looking forward to the Champions League showdown with Roma at Old Trafford.
United head into Tuesday’s fixture without a win in nine matches across all competitions.
It is their worst run since the 1988-89 season. The club has not gone ten games without a victory in a single campaign since 1977-78, and speculation is growing that Carrick could lose his position during the upcoming international break.
Roma’s only defeat this season came at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, despite leading 3-1 with seven minutes remaining.
United are 17th in the Premier League and, after defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, have dropped to 21st in the Champions League table after three matches, with only the top 24 teams advancing.
Against this bleak backdrop, Carrick is choosing to view the situation as an opportunity to reshape the season’s narrative rather than dwell on the challenges ahead.
“You might think I’m crazy given the results we have had and what is going on, but I genuinely cannot wait for the game,” Carrick said. “I am really looking forward to it.”
“I cannot look into the future; you never know what will happen. That does not change how I feel. Whatever happens is going to happen in whichever direction it goes, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow.”
Carrick oversaw a lively open training session at Carrington ahead of the match.
Striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were especially vocal, with Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez fully engaged despite his red card at Chelsea, which prompted a strongly negative reaction.
Although there have been calls to drop Martinez for the Roma match, Carrick took a more philosophical approach.
“Things happen in football,” he said.
“You make decisions; you make mistakes. Sometimes it works out for you.”
He also dismissed concerns regarding Martinez’s commitment and that of the wider squad.
“Perceptions are a curious thing,” he said.
“They can make situations look very different. The dressing room is in a good place.”
“I have said it before: I do not question the players’ commitment—to the club, to me, or to one another. We need to play better and make better decisions. But commitment is not an issue at all.”
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