Manchester United manager Michael Carrick admitted it might sound "crazy" but said he is genuinely looking forward to Tuesday's Champions League showdown against Roma at Old Trafford, despite the team's worst winless run in decades.
United have gone nine matches without a victory in all competitions, their poorest streak since the 1988-89 season. They sit 17th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League table after three games, with only the top 24 advancing. Roma's only defeat this season came at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month.
"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 said. "I'm really looking forward to it. We want to make it a big night tomorrow."
Carrick oversaw a lively open training session at Carrington, where striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were notably vocal. Defender Lisandro Martinez, who received a red card at Chelsea, participated fully. Carrick dismissed calls to drop Martinez, saying, "Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you." He also defended the squad's commitment: "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."
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who returned from a four-match injury absence as a substitute at Chelsea, echoed Carrick's optimism. The 21-year-old academy graduate, the longest-serving player in the squad, said: "I've been at this club for a long time and know there's always going to be ups and downs. Of course it's been a tough season. We've not had the results we've wanted, but I feel like we're one win away from changing that."
Historically, United were last relegated in 1973-74 and have not been in the relegation zone after nine or more games since November 1986. Their lowest position after at least nine games since then was 17th in 1989-90, while they finished 16th under Ruben Amorim after 37 games in the 2024-25 season. Mainoo emphasized the responsibility he feels as an academy product to uphold the club's values.
