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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he is looking forward to Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Roma despite his side’s poor run of form.
United head into the match at Old Trafford without a victory in nine matches across all competitions, their worst run since the 1988-89 season.
The team’s struggles have increased pressure on Carrick, with growing speculation that he could lose his job during the upcoming international break.
United currently sit 17th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League standings after defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, leaving their hopes of progressing in Europe under threat.
Despite the difficult situation, Carrick believes the Roma encounter offers an opportunity to change the direction of the season.
He admitted his optimism might seem surprising given the results, but insisted he was eager for the match and determined to make it a memorable night for the club.
Carrick also defended defender Lisandro Martinez following criticism over his red card against Chelsea.
The United manager said mistakes were part of football and dismissed suggestions that Martinez or other members of the squad lacked commitment.
However, he acknowledged that the players needed to improve their performances and make better decisions.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who recently returned from a muscular injury, also expressed confidence that United could turn their season around with a single victory.
The 21-year-old said the club had experienced difficult periods before and stressed that the squad remained united despite its disappointing results.
Mainoo admitted that United’s current position was unacceptable for a club of their stature.
Having joined the academy at the age of seven, he said he understood the club’s values and felt a responsibility to uphold its traditions and expectations.
Roma, meanwhile, arrive at Old Trafford with an impressive record, having suffered only one defeat this season.
Their only loss came against Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, despite leading 3-1 with seven minutes remaining. United will hope to exploit home advantage and end their winless run as pressure mounts on Carrick.
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