United's Carrick brushes off questions over his future ahead of Roma clash
MANU•Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick brushed aside questions about his future ahead of Tuesday's home Champions League clash with Roma, saying the game was his focus. United are 17th in the Premier League with seven points from nine games and have gone nine matches without a win.
1. Carrick focused on Roma
Carrick said questions about his long-term future would not affect preparations for Tuesday's game. United are aiming to end a nine-match winless run, their longest since 1984, and sit 17th in the Premier League with seven points from nine matches, above the relegation zone on goal difference.
2. Pressure on United
United are 21st in the Champions League standings with three points from three matches; Roma are 15th with four. Carrick said the team needed to act quickly and called the upcoming games against Roma and Aston Villa a “great opportunity.” He also said Lisandro Martinez's commitment was not in question after the defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.
3. Carrick says squad is united
Carrick said the dressing room remained a good place and players were committed to the club, him and each other. Recent scrutiny has included Bruno Fernandes questioning tactics after a 4-1 loss to Como and Martinez criticising the club hierarchy after a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid.
