Michael Carrick admits it may sound “crazy” but the beleaguered Manchester United boss says he is looking forward to the Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford.
United go into Tuesday’s game without a win in nine matches in all competitions.
It’s their worst run since 1988-89. They have not won 10 in a campaign since 1977-78 and there is a growing feeling that Carrick will lose his job during the upcoming international break.
Roma’s only defeat so far this season came at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month when they were 3-1 up with seven minutes remaining.
United are 17th in the Premier League and have dropped to 21st in the Champions League table after three games, just missing out on the top 24, following defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como.
It’s a bleak backdrop, but Carrick sees it as a chance to change the narrative of the season rather than worry about what lies ahead.
“You might think I’m crazy because of the results we’ve had and what’s happened, but I really can’t wait for the game,” Carrick said. “I’m really looking forward to it.
“Listen, I can’t predict the future, you never know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t change how I feel. Whatever happens, whatever direction it goes, it’s going to happen, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow.”
Carrick watched a live open session of pre-match training at Carrington.
Striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were particularly vociferous, while Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez also sparked a similar backlash despite receiving a red card at Chelsea.
While there were calls for Martinez to be dropped for the Roma game, Carrick was more philosophical.
“Everything happens in football.
“Sometimes you do things; you make decisions, you make mistakes. Sometimes it works out for you.”
He dismissed concerns about the commitment of both Martinez and his entire team.
“Perceptions are a funny thing,” he said.
“They can make things look different. The locker room is a good place.
“I’ve said it before, I don’t question the players’ commitment to the club, to me and to each other. We have to play better. We can make better decisions. But commitment is nothing.”