Carrick not distracted by speculation over United future

What the report says

Manchester United coach Michael Carrick said speculation about his future will not affect preparations for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma. Al Jazeera reported that Carrick made the comments ahead of the match as pressure grew after United’s poor form, including a nine-game winless stretch — described in the article as the club’s worst run in 38 years — and a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

According to the report, United are struggling domestically, sitting outside the Premier League relegation zone only on goal difference with one win and seven points from their first nine league games. Carrick said the team must stay focused on finding solutions and that the squad’s commitment remains intact despite criticism and recent setbacks, including Lisandro Martinez’s sending-off at Stamford Bridge.

The article said Carrick believes United can still progress in the Champions League, where a victory over Roma would help keep knockout-stage hopes alive. Roma arrive unbeaten in Serie A, with Al Jazeera noting they have scored 16 goals across their past four matches and have lost only once this season, in a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also backed the manager, saying the squad must respond together and treat the poor run as a temporary setback. The piece adds context around the pressure on Carrick and the broader importance of the match for United’s European campaign.