Under-pressure Manchester United manager Michael Carrick described his anticipation for the Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford as "crazy," given the team's current form.
Manchester United enters the Tuesday fixture without a victory in their last nine games across all competitions, marking their longest such run since the 1988-89 season. There is growing speculation that Carrick's position could be in jeopardy during the upcoming international break.
Roma, meanwhile, has only suffered one defeat this season, a home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League where they had led late in the match. Manchester United currently sits 17th in the Premier League and 21st in their Champions League group after three games, with only the top 24 teams advancing.
Despite the bleak outlook, Carrick views the upcoming game as an opportunity to shift the season's narrative. "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," Carrick stated. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Carrick observed an energetic open training session at Carrington. Striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were notably vocal, and defender Lisandro Martinez, who received a red card in a previous match, also appeared fully engaged.
Addressing Martinez's red card, Carrick was philosophical, saying, "Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you." He dismissed concerns about Martinez's commitment or that of the entire squad, stating, "The dressing room is a good place. 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."
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, speaking alongside Carrick, echoed the sentiment of squad unity. Mainoo, one of the younger players and a long-serving member of the club, acknowledged the team's struggles but expressed optimism. "It's never going to be plain sailing and smooth to the top. You expect bumps," Mainoo said. "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."
Mainoo emphasized the importance of the club's values. "United's a huge club. 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," he added. "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."