Carrick Not Distracted by Speculation Over United Future, Eyes Win Against Roma

Manchester United coach Michael Carrick has said speculation about his future will not affect preparations for the Champions League match against Roma. He said the players remain committed to the cause.

United are winless in nine matches, their worst run in 38 years. With just one win and seven points from their opening nine Premier League fixtures, they sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea increased speculation that Tuesday night's visit of Roma, in their fourth Champions League league phase match, might be his last, given Roma's unbeaten start in Serie A and 16 goals across their past four matches, with their only defeat of the season coming in Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 win at the Stadio Olimpico on October 14.

Speaking at his pre-match media conference, Carrick said speculation has no influence on how they prepare or on the game, they cannot wait for it, that is all he is focused on, and what happens after happens, whatever direction it goes in.

Carrick said he believes the players remain committed despite the manner of their defeat at Stamford Bridge, where Lisandro Martinez's quickfire sending-off and penalty concession ended their hopes of a comeback.

He said he knows what they are capable of, they have shown it in bursts including the other day, they are close but need to act on it quickly. He said he has no concerns about Martinez's commitment, things happen in football, sometimes mistakes are made, and commitment is not an issue.

Carrick also said the dressing room is in a good place, the commitment of the players to the club, to him and to each other should not be questioned at all, they need to play better and make better decisions, but commitment is not a thing at all.

He said they have to find a way out of this moment, they have done a lot of good things and just could not capitalise on it but will do, and they have to keep doing the right things. He said a lot of people could do his job when games are being won, and it is about finding solutions, finding answers, staying strong, leading right and getting the best out of the players, and they have to keep pushing for that.

Carrick said he loves being here and loves working with the players, and the struggles and challenges just drive him on to want even more.

United's only win since August came in the 4-0 success against Sabah at Old Trafford on September 10, but Carrick said another win against Roma would keep United's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive. He said they are looking for the win, the bigger picture is about getting through to the later stages, one or two defeats can be got away with as long as amends are made, but times like tomorrow will dictate that, they are certainly still in it, they have a great chance of progressing and that has to be the focus from now.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also gave his backing to the head coach and said the players have to fight as one to get through this ‘bump in the road’. Mainoo said he has been at the club a long time and knows there will always be ups and downs, it will never be plain sailing to the top, bumps are expected and the best thing is being able to bounce back from them. He said the way to repay the manager is to be behind him on and off the pitch and fight as a team, and he is grateful to the boss for putting trust in him as soon as he came in and for all the advice, knowing he has been a player and knows the history of the club and what it takes to win.