Michael Carrick admits it may sound “crazy” given Manchester United’s alarming run of results, but the under-pressure manager insists he is looking forward to Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma at Old Trafford.
United have gone nine matches without a victory in all competitions, their worst sequence since 1988-89, and are facing the prospect of reaching double figures for the first time in a single season since 1977-78.
They sit 17th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League standings after defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como, with only the top 24 teams advancing. Roma, meanwhile, have lost only once this season, despite surrendering a 3-1 lead against Real Madrid in their previous European outing.
With speculation mounting that Carrick could lose his job during the forthcoming international break, the United manager is determined to treat the fixture as an opportunity to change the mood around the club.
“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,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Carrick acknowledged that he could not predict what the future holds but wants his players to make the occasion count.
“Whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow,” he added.
The manager also defended Lisandro Martinez following the defender’s controversial red card against Chelsea, which prompted criticism and calls for him to be left out against Roma.
“Things happen in football,” Carrick said. “Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you.”
He also rejected suggestions that commitment was an issue within his squad, insisting the dressing room remained united despite the results.
“The dressing room is a good place,” he said. “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.”
