Michael Carrick has downplayed reports that his position as Manchester United head coach is under threat, insisting his focus remains on Tuesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League showdown with Italian side AS Roma.
Carrick’s future at Old Trafford has come under increasing scrutiny following United’s poor run of form, which worsened with Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea. The result left the Red Devils above the relegation zone on goal difference alone.
United have endured their worst league start in 40 years and are without a win in nine matches across all competitions, stretching back to their 4-0 victory over Sabah in the Champions League in September.
The Red Devils now face an in-form Roma in their first home European fixture since that victory. An Old Trafford meeting with Aston Villa follows before the international break, which could give the club a window to decide Carrick’s future.
Asked whether he felt he had only two matches left in charge after overseeing United’s longest winless run since 1988, Carrick said he was not distracted by speculation.
‘No, not at all.
‘Listen, I can’t look into the future. You never know what’s going to happen; I don’t know what’s going to happen.
‘That doesn’t change the way I feel or how we’re preparing for the game tomorrow, and I’m actually really looking forward to the game. Can’t wait for the game tomorrow.
‘You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but I genuinely, really can’t wait for the game tomorrow, and that’s all I’m focused on. Really, I am.
‘Whatever happens is going to happen after that, in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow night first.’
The Red Devils now face an in-form Roma in their first home European fixture since that victory. An Old Trafford meeting with Aston Villa follows before the international break, which could give the club a window to decide Carrick’s future.
Asked whether he felt he had only two matches left in charge after overseeing United’s longest winless run since 1988, Carrick said he was not distracted by speculation.
‘No, not at all.
‘Listen, I can’t look into the future. You never know what’s going to happen; I don’t know what’s going to happen.
‘That doesn’t change the way I feel or how we’re preparing for the game tomorrow, and I’m actually really looking forward to the game. Can’t wait for the game tomorrow.
‘You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but I genuinely, really can’t wait for the game tomorrow, and that’s all I’m focused on. Really, I am.
‘Whatever happens is going to happen after that, in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow night first.’