Carrick says he can't wait for Roma clash despite Manchester United's slump

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he is eager for Tuesday's Champions League match against Italian side Roma at Old Trafford, the Champions League being Europe's top club football competition. He admits it may sound "crazy", given United have gone nine games in all competitions without a win. It is their worst run since 1988-89, and there is a growing feeling Carrick could lose his job during the coming international break.

A difficult position

United sit 17th in the Premier League. After defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como, they are 21st in the Champions League table after three games, with only the top 24 progressing. They have not gone ten games without a win in a single season since 1977-78.

Roma's only defeat this season came at home to Real Madrid last month, when they led 3-1 with seven minutes left.

Words from manager and player

Carrick said he cannot predict what will happen, but that does not change how he feels, and the team wants to make it a big night. Defender Lisandro Martinez, sent off at Chelsea, trained fully; some have called for him to be dropped. Carrick said things happen in football and rejected doubts about the commitment of Martinez and the squad.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been at the club since he was seven, returned as a substitute at Chelsea after missing four matches with a muscular problem. He said the season has been tough, but he feels the team is one win away from changing that.