Michael Carrick, who signed a two-year contract over the summer, acknowledges that it might sound crazy to some, but the beleaguered Manchester United manager insists he is genuinely looking forward to their upcoming Champions League showdown with Roma at Old Trafford. However, given he joined the club as a seven-year-old, he is also the longest serving and has a unique insight into the responsibilities that come with life in the Old Trafford spotlight. 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.
United head into the crucial European fixture enduring a dismal run of nine matches without a victory across all competitions. This represents the club’s worst winless streak since the 1989-89 campaign, and they have avoided going 10 games without a win in a single season since 1977-78. Growing speculation suggests Carrick could face dismissal during the upcoming international break. It is their worst run since 1988-89. Their lowest position after at least nine games of a season since then was 17th in 1989-90. They were 16th under Ruben Amorim after 37 games of the 2024-25 season.
Domestically, United languish in 17th place in the Premier League. Following defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, they have dropped to 21st in the Champions League standings after three matches, with only the top 24 teams advancing past the league phase. Meanwhile, their opponents Roma have only suffered one defeat this season, which came away against Real Madrid in the Champions League last month after they had initially led 3-1 with just seven minutes remaining.
Rather than dwelling on the gloomy outlook, Carrick is choosing to focus on the opportunity to alter the narrative of their season. Speaking to the media, he stated that despite the ongoing pressure and recent results, he simply cannot wait for the match to begin. But rather than fret over what lies ahead, Carrick is viewing it as a chance to change the narrative of the season, it is a bleak backdrop. That doesn’t change the way I feel.
During an open training session at Carrington, striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were vocal participants, while Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez trained fully despite receiving a red card against Chelsea that sparked significant negative backlash.
Addressing calls for Martinez to be dropped, Carrick adopted a philosophical stance, noting that mistakes happen in football and expressing full confidence in the commitment of his squad. He emphasized that perceptions can be misleading and that the dressing room remains a positive environment where player dedication is never questioned. But we want to make it a big night tomorrow, whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in. And that of his entire squad, he also dismissed concerns both about Martinez’s commitment. According to i’ve, It before, I don’t question the commitment of the players, to the club and to me and to each other. 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.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, appearing alongside his manager in the press conference, echoed those sentiments regarding the strength of the group. Having recently returned from a four-match absence due to a muscular issue during the Chelsea fixture, the 21-year-old academy graduate reflected on the club’s current difficulties.
Mainoo acknowledged that while the season has been exceptionally tough and the team’s current position is completely unacceptable for a club of Manchester United’s stature, the squad remains just one victory away from turning things around.
Historical context highlights the rarity of their current struggles, as United were last relegated in 1973-74 and have not occupied the relegation zone after nine or more games since November 1986, when Sir Alex Ferguson took charge.
