Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has admitted it might sound “crazy” given the team’s current struggles, yet he insists he is eagerly anticipating Tuesday’s Champions League showdown against Roma at Old Trafford. United enters the fixture amid a difficult period, currently riding a winless streak that has reached nine matches across all competitions. Mainoo has scored eight goals in 110 appearances for Manchester United.
This performance represents the club’s worst run since the 1988-89 season.
The squad has not endured a 10-game winless stretch in a single campaign since 1977-78, leading to mounting speculation that Carrick could be dismissed during the upcoming international break.
The club’s recent history in the relegation zone provides a grim context: United has not been in the relegation zone after nine or more games since November 1986, shortly after Sir Alex Ferguson took charge. Their lowest standing after at least nine games since that era was 17th place in 1989-90, though they also finished 16th under Ruben Amorim after 37 games in the 2024-25 season.
Currently sitting 17th in the Premier League, United also faces challenges in Europe, occupying 21st place in the Champions League table after three matches, with only the top 24 sides advancing. Their opponents, Roma, have only suffered one defeat this season—a home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, where they held a 3-1 lead with only seven minutes remaining. United were last relegated in 1973-74.
Despite the adversity, Carrick remains focused on shifting the momentum. “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,” he stated. He emphasized that he is not dwelling on his future, noting that he cannot predict what will happen but remains committed to the task at hand. “We’ve not had the results we’ve wanted, but I feel like we’re one win away from changing that,” he added. But rather than fret over what lies ahead, Carrick is viewing it as a chance to change the narrative of the season, it is a bleak backdrop. But we want to make it a big night tomorrow, whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in. They can make things look all sorts of different ways.
During a recent open training session at Carrington, the squad appeared engaged. While defender Lisandro Martinez faced criticism following a red card against Chelsea, Carrick dismissed concerns regarding player commitment. He acknowledged that mistakes happen in football but defended the dressing room environment, stating that perceptions often distort reality. “I don’t question the commitment of the players, to the club and to me and to each other,” Carrick said. With Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez also fully engaged despite his red card at Chelsea, which triggered such a negative reaction, striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were particularly vocal.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who recently returned from a four-match absence due to a muscular issue, echoed his manager’s sentiments about the group’s internal strength. At 21, Mainoo—the club’s longest-serving player—acknowledged the difficulty of the season but remains focused on the club’s values. “I’ve been at this club for a long time and know there’s always going to be ups and downs,” Mainoo said. “It’s never going to be plain sailing and smooth to the top.”
Mainoo emphasized that the current league position is unacceptable for a club of United’s stature. Having come through the academy, he feels a personal responsibility to uphold the standards and traditions passed down by those who have played for and worked at the club over the years.
