Manchester United manager Michael Carrick admits it may sound "crazy" but says he is genuinely looking forward to Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Roma at Old Trafford. United enter the match without a win in nine games across all competitions, their worst run since the 1988-89 season, and sit 17th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League table after three matches.
Carrick, who signed a two-year contract in the summer, struck a defiant tone at his pre-match press conference. "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. Whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow."
The manager oversaw a lively open training session at Carrington, where striker Bryan Mbeumo, midfielder Carlos Baleba, and defender Lisandro Martinez were notably engaged. Martinez, who received a red card in the recent defeat at Chelsea, retains Carrick's backing. "Things happen in football," Carrick said. "Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you."
Carrick also dismissed questions about his squad's commitment. "Perceptions are a funny thing. 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."
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who returned from a four-match injury absence as a substitute at Chelsea, sat alongside Carrick and echoed the belief that a single victory could shift the narrative. "I feel like we're one win away from changing that," Mainoo said. The 21-year-old, who joined United's academy at age seven, is the club's longest-serving current player. "United's a huge club. 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."
Historically, United have not been in the relegation zone after nine or more games since November 1986, during Sir Alex Ferguson's first two matches in charge. Their lowest position after at least nine games since then was 17th in 1989-90. Roma's only defeat this season came at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, when they led 3-1 with seven minutes remaining.
