Carrick heads into Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Roma under growing pressure as the club searches for a first victory in 10 matches.
United host the Italian side at Old Trafford tonight after a miserable run that has left them 17th in the Premier League and struggling in Europe. Michael Carrick’s side have collected just three points from their opening three Champions League matches.
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Carrick needs response after damaging run
Manchester United have failed to win any of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Their latest setback came on Saturday when Chelsea beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Lisandro Martinez sent off during another difficult afternoon.
United have also suffered heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Como in recent weeks.
The 4-1 loss away to Como on Matchday 3 left them with only two wins from their last 12 Champions League games.
Carrick has avoided discussing his long-term future, insisting his immediate focus is on finding a way to stop the slide.
Tonight’s match therefore represents another important test for a manager whose position is coming under increasing scrutiny.
Roma arrive at Old Trafford in strong form
Roma enter the game in much better shape.
Their recent form reads four wins and one draw from their last five matches, giving Gian Piero Gasperini’s side confidence heading into Manchester.
The Italian club also responded strongly to defeat against Real Madrid by beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in their previous Champions League outing.
Roma are unbeaten in six away European matches and have shown greater consistency than United in recent weeks.
Donyell Malen has been particularly influential in Europe, contributing three goals and three assists in Roma’s opening three league-phase matches.
Old Trafford record offers United hope
Despite their poor domestic form, United have remained difficult to beat at home in Europe.
They are unbeaten in their last eight European matches at Old Trafford and have won the most recent seven.
History against Roma also favours the English club.
United have won five of their eight previous meetings with the Italian side and have won all four home matches against them.
One of the most memorable meetings came in 2007 when United won 7-1 at Old Trafford, with Carrick scoring twice.
Roma, meanwhile, have never won an away Champions League match against an English club.
Carrick faces defining week
The pressure surrounding Carrick could intensify if United fail to produce a response tonight.
After Roma, United host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday before travelling to Liverpool after the international break.
United’s only victories this season have come against Ipswich Town and Sabah, while their nine-match winless run is their worst since 1984.
Carrick has maintained that the dressing room remains united and believes the team has enough quality to change its fortunes.
However, another defeat against an in-form Roma side would place even more attention on both the manager and the club’s wider problems.
