Michael Carrick says he “really can’t wait” for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford, even though Manchester United go into the game without a win in nine matches in all competitions. The beleaguered United boss, who signed a two-year contract in the summer, acknowledges that his enthusiasm might sound “crazy” given the circumstances.
United are enduring their worst run since 1988-89. They have not gone 10 games without a win in a single campaign since 1977-78, and there is a growing feeling that Carrick could lose his job during the forthcoming international break.
The stakes are high. United are 17th in the Premier League and, after defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como, have slipped to 21st in the Champions League table after three games. Only the top 24 teams progress. Roma’s only defeat so far this season came at home to Real Madrid last month, when they led 3-1 with seven minutes left.
Carrick looks to change the narrative
Rather than dwelling on the bleak outlook, Carrick sees the Roma game as an opportunity to change the story of United’s season.
“You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but genuinely, I really can’t wait for the game,” said Carrick. “I’m really looking forward to it.
“Listen, I can’t look into the future, you never know what’s going to happen. That doesn’t change the way I feel. Whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow.”
Carrick watched a lively, open pre-match training session at Carrington. Striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were particularly vocal. Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez also threw himself into the session, despite the red card he received at Chelsea that triggered such a negative reaction.
There have been calls for Martinez to be dropped for the Roma game, but Carrick took a more philosophical view.
“Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you.”
He also dismissed concerns about Martinez’s commitment, and that of the wider squad.
“Perceptions are a funny thing,” he said. “They can make things look all sorts of different ways. The dressing room is a good place.
“I’ve said it before, I don’t question the commitment of the players, to the club and to me and to each other. We need to play better. We can make better decisions. But commitment’s not a thing at all.”
Mainoo calls for unity
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo sat alongside Carrick at the media conference and also stressed the strength of the group. He returned from a four-match absence with a muscular issue as a second-half substitute at Chelsea.
At 21, Mainoo is one of the youngest players in the squad. However, having joined the club aged seven, he is also the longest-serving player and understands the responsibilities that come with life in the Old Trafford spotlight.
“I’ve been at this club for a long time and know there’s always going to be ups and downs,” he said. “It’s never going to be plain sailing and smooth to the top. You expect bumps.
“Of course it’s been a tough season. We’ve not had the results we’ve wanted, but I feel like we’re one win away from changing that.”
United were last relegated in 1973-74. They have not been in the relegation zone after nine games or more since November 1986, when they collected a single point in Sir Alex Ferguson’s first two games in charge following Ron Atkinson’s dismissal. Their lowest position after at least nine games of a season since then was 17th in 1989-90. Under Ruben Amorim, they were 16th after 37 games of the 2024-25 season.
Mainoo believes the current position is unacceptable for a club of United’s size.
“United’s a huge club,” he said. “I think a lot of people know the values this club holds and have been passed down through the people who’ve worked here and played here.
“I feel like I take some responsibility in spreading the word of what Manchester United is, coming up through the academy, and I plan to send that message for as long as I can.”