LONDON -- Manchester United manager Michael Carrick dismissed speculation over his future on Tuesday, stating it will not impact the team's Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford.
United enter the match winless in nine games across all competitions, their worst start since 1988-89, and sit 17th in the Premier League table with seven points from nine fixtures. Carrick said the external noise has no bearing on his preparation, adding: "I can't wait for the game tomorrow. That is all I am focused on."
The Red Devils' winless run extends across all competitions and includes a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, a result that increased pressure on Carrick's position. Lisandro Martinez received a quickfire sending-off and conceded a penalty in that match, though Carrick affirmed the defender's commitment was not in question.
Roma arrive in strong form, having gone unbeaten in Serie A this season with 16 goals across their past four matches. Their only defeat came against Real Madrid in the Champions League on October 14. Despite United's poor run, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini downplayed the English side's difficulties, stating: "We know that Manchester United is a strong team, we know that they have top players in their squad."
United will be without Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw through injury, though Carrick said Luke Shaw could return from a hip issue to face Aston Villa after the Roma fixture. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo publicly backed his manager, describing the winless run as a "bump in the road" and emphasizing the need for squad unity.
Carrick stressed the need for better decision-making and clinical finishing, stating the team is "close" to turning good performances into results. With Roma's visit keeping United's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive, Carrick insisted the focus must remain on the immediate challenge.
"We have to keep doing the right things," Carrick said. "One or two defeats you can get away with as long as you make amends for that. There are times, like tomorrow, that are going to dictate that for us."
United's only win since August came in a 4-0 success against Sabah on September 10. The result against Roma could go a long way toward determining the trajectory of the season.
