Manchester United Prepares for Roma Clash Amid Winless Run and Managerial Speculation

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick stated that ongoing speculation surrounding his position will not affect preparations for his team's Champions League fixture against Roma at Old Trafford. The English club enters the match enduring its worst run in 38 years, remaining winless across its past nine matches in all competitions.

United currently sits outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference, having secured only one victory and seven points from its opening nine league fixtures. Following a 2-0 defeat away against Chelsea over the weekend, pressure has mounted on Carrick, with upcoming fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa viewed by observers as critical tests for his tenure.

Addressing the media ahead of the European fixture, Carrick defended defender Lisandro Martínez, who received a red card at Stamford Bridge after previously facing a fine for public remarks directed at United's director of football, Jason Wilcox. Carrick dismissed any doubts regarding the Argentina international's dedication to the squad, stating that mistakes happen in football but commitment is not a problem.

Carrick maintained that the dressing room remains unified and that the squad is fully committed to the club, each other, and the coaching staff. He emphasized that his primary responsibility is finding solutions and getting the best performances out of the players during a challenging period for the club.

For the upcoming European match, United will be without Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, and Benjamin Sesko due to injuries, while Patrick Dorgu has resumed training but lacks full match fitness. Meanwhile, Martínez is suspended domestically for Sunday's league match against Aston Villa but remains expected to feature against Roma as United attempts to improve its 21st-place standing in the Champions League league phase.