Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick remains confident his side can revive their UEFA Champions League campaign despite their alarming run of form, adding that the Red Devils still have a strong chance of progressing ahead of Tuesday’s home encounter against AS Roma.
United welcome the Italian side to Old Trafford under considerable pressure after suffering three consecutive defeats, with Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea extending their difficult spell under Carrick. The result continued a worrying run that has seen the Manchester outfit go nine matches without a victory in all competitions, recording six defeats and three draws.
The Red Devils have also struggled in Europe, losing their last two Champions League fixtures, including a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in their most recent outing in the competition. However, with another crucial European assignment approaching, Carrick believes his side still have everything to play for and must quickly rediscover their winning mentality.
“We’re certainly still in it. We’ve a great chance for progressing and that has to be the focus from now.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United Head Coach
Carrick demands response after difficult run
The United boss recognises that his players have not delivered the consistency required but believes their performances have offered encouraging signs despite the disappointing results.
Reflecting on Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea, Carrick pointed to his side’s inability to capitalise on promising opportunities, particularly in the first half, when he felt United did enough to take control of the contest. Also, Carrick admitted that his team must improve in several areas, stressing the importance of making better decisions and finding solutions to their current difficulties.
“Against Chelsea we did a lot of really good things to give us a chance to not come away, especially the first half, without any goals. It was quite incredible really. We know we need to get better at certain things. We have to find a way out of this moment. We have done a lot of good things to help us to do that, we just couldn’t capitalise on it, but we will do. We have to keep doing the right things.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United Head Coach
Despite the mounting pressure, the former United midfielder insists he has not lost confidence in the group and believes the players remain committed to turning their fortunes around. “I know what we are capable of as a team and as a group, we have showed it in spells and bursts, showing it the other day so I know we are close but need to act on it quickly,” Carrick stated.
Roma arrive in formidable form
United’s immediate challenge, however, will be against a Roma side enjoying a significantly better run of results.
The Italian outfit head to Manchester unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, winning four and drawing one while scoring an impressive 18 goals during that period.
Their attacking efficiency presents another difficult examination for a United defence that conceded four goals against Como in their previous Champions League appearance.
Roma will be hoping to exploit United’s uncertainty and extend their impressive run, while a victory at Old Trafford would strengthen their position in the competition.
For Carrick, the encounter represents an opportunity for his players to respond to recent disappointments against an opponent arriving with considerable confidence.
The United manager described the remaining fixtures as important opportunities to change the narrative surrounding the club, insisting his attention remains firmly on the immediate challenge rather than his own long-term future. “We have two great games this week and it’s great opportunity to attack the game and make it a good night,” he said.
United boast impressive record against Roma
Despite the contrasting current fortunes, Manchester United have enjoyed considerable success in previous meetings with the Italian side, particularly in European competition.
Their most recent encounter came in the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League semi-finals, when United secured an emphatic 8-5 aggregate victory to reach the final.
Roma won the second leg 3-2 at Stadio Olimpico, but it was too little as United had already produced a devastating performance in the first leg at Old Trafford, winning 6-2 to take firm control of the tie. The result underlined United’s attacking superiority and secured their passage to the final.
The clubs also share a history in the UEFA Champions League, having last met in the 2007/08 quarter-finals. United won that encounter 3-0 on aggregate, following a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford and a 1-0 triumph in Rome.
They subsequently progressed through the semi-finals before defeating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow to lift their third European Cup.
Carrick faces selection concerns
Beyond the need for a positive result, Carrick will also have to manage some fitness concerns ahead of the encounter.
The United manager confirmed that Luke Shaw will be unavailable, while Marcus Rashford remains a doubt after suffering a fitness issue that requires further assessment. “Luke will definitely not be available. Marcus we will have to see day-by-day,” Carrick revealed.
He also provided an update on Leny Yoro, explaining that the defender has been managing a recurring tendon problem but has impressed since returning to action.
United will therefore be hoping to have as many key players available as possible for a fixture that could prove significant to their European ambitions.
With three consecutive defeats behind them, a nine-game winless run hanging over the club and an in-form Roma side arriving at Old Trafford, Carrick faces an important test of his ability to guide United through adversity.
The Red Devils must now translate their manager’s confidence into a much-needed result, with further dropped points threatening to complicate their hopes of reaching the next stage of the Champions League.
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