Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he is looking forward to Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford despite the team's worst winless run in decades. United have gone nine matches without a victory across all competitions, their longest such streak since the 1988-89 season, and sit 17th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League table after three games.
Carrick embraces the challenge
"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 told reporters. "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."
Carrick dismissed concerns about the commitment of his players, including defender Lisandro Martinez, who was sent off in the recent defeat at Chelsea. "Perceptions are a funny thing. 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."
Mainoo confident a win can turn the tide
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who returned from injury as a substitute at Chelsea, echoed Carrick's optimism. "I feel like we're one win away from changing that," the 21-year-old academy graduate said. "United's a huge club. 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."
Roma arrive having lost only once this season, a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League after leading 3-1 late in the match. United's next match after the international break could determine Carrick's future, with growing speculation he may lose his job during the break.
