A crisis-ridden Manchester United side prepares to welcome Gian Piero Gasperini 's Roma in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase . The Red Devils , who have picked up three points from their first three matchdays, are chasing a win since their 4-0 victory against Azerbaijani side Sabah.
Speaking at a press conference, United manager Michael Carrick discussed the current situation the team is going through and the injury situation. The former England midfielder also recalled the night of the 7-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
Carrick's statements
Dorgu has returned to the group. How is he?
"It's fantastic, really fantastic to have him back with us. He's worked hard to get back to training with the group. However, he won't be available tomorrow. We'll see how he progresses during the week. In any case, it's really nice to have him back with us."
A lot has happened since your last Champions League home game, so many things to process. What gives you confidence heading into tomorrow and makes you think it could be the turning point?
I know the players and I know what we're capable of. I think this team, both individually and collectively, has shown its potential at times. We did that in certain phases of the games, including in the last match. We should have been ahead and in a great position at the start of the second half, but then, as I said, the game slipped out of our control. But I know what we're capable of when we put all our strengths together. I've said it before: we're always very close to achieving that. Now we have to turn this into action. We have to turn things around, and we have to do it fairly quickly. As Kobbie said, we have two big games coming up this week. We have to take them one at a time, of course, but tomorrow represents another great opportunity to attack the game, look ahead with enthusiasm, and make it a positive night for us.
What's your assessment of the player's commitment to the club? Apparently, he wanted to leave in the summer, but this year there have been some incidents and even a dip in performance. Are you worried that perhaps he's not truly motivated to help the team get out of this difficult situation, or are you satisfied with what you're seeing?
“No, I have absolutely no concerns about his commitment. A lot happens in football. Sometimes you make certain choices, decisions, mistakes, and other times things go well. But his commitment is absolutely not a problem.”
Do you hope your work will be judged as a whole and that you can remain at Manchester United for a long time? There are two games left until the international break, and some are worried about your future after that. Do you feel like you only have two games left?
No, absolutely not. Listen, I can't predict the future. You never know what might happen, and I don't know either. But that doesn't change my state of mind, or the way we're preparing for tomorrow's match. In fact, I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait for tomorrow to come. You might think I'm crazy, considering the results we've achieved and everything that's going on, but I assure you, I'm really looking forward to this match. That's all I'm focused on, really. Whatever happens, will happen later, one way or another. But first and foremost, we want to make tomorrow night a great night.
There are some players who are entering the final year of their contracts, with the option to extend for another season. You'll have to make a decision in the coming months, otherwise they'll be able to reach preliminary agreements with other clubs starting in January. Have you already decided whether to extend their contracts, or will you make a decision soon?
"When everything is finalized, we'll let you know. It's not appropriate to discuss it publicly until everything is finalized. There's nothing else to add at this time."
Outside the club, several key players have given highly publicized interviews. There was also a dismissal over the weekend. Can you understand why, from the outside, there might be a perception that the locker room lacks discipline or that the team isn't completely united?
"You can interpret things in many different ways and make all kinds of assumptions. I've said it before: I absolutely don't question the players' commitment to the club, to me, or to their teammates. We need to play better and we can make better decisions, but commitment is absolutely not a problem."
What is the team missing at the moment to find its performances and results?
“It's never just one thing, but a series of factors. Obviously, performance and level of play are crucial to achieving certain goals, but then you have to back them up with results. It's never just one aspect, but several elements. Sometimes three or four things can impact simultaneously. We know we need to improve in some areas. As I said, the other day against Chelsea we did a lot of positive things, and considering the chances we created, it was truly incredible to finish the first half without scoring. We have to find a way out of this situation. We did a lot of good things to achieve this, but we weren't able to convert them. I'm convinced, however, that we can do it. We have to continue doing the right things.”
Michael, when you were winning 12 out of 17 matches, it was definitely easier to enjoy your work. You said you can't wait for tomorrow's match. How do you find satisfaction in your work now? Do you need to change your mindset compared to before?
“Change your mindset about what?”
When you win 12 out of 17 games, you probably arrive at the training ground at 7:30 in the morning very happy. Now it could be more difficult and perhaps you need to adapt your attitude.
But that's exactly why I live. Many people would be capable of doing my job when we're winning a lot of games. The real challenge is finding solutions, finding answers, staying strong, leading the team in the right way, and getting the most out of the players. We have to keep pushing in this direction, but all of this doesn't change my mentality at all. I love being here, I love working with these players, and the difficulties, obstacles, and challenges only motivate me even more.
Roma is a team that brings back happy memories, especially the 7-1 win many years ago. What do you remember about that match? Is it also a demonstration of how things can change?
Absolutely. It was one of those magical nights, I have to say. One of the most beautiful evenings, one of the best matches, and one of the most incredible atmospheres I've ever had the fortune of experiencing. Scoring a brace, which is truly unusual for me, makes that memory even more special. But beyond the goals, what I remember most is the emotion of that evening. I have to say, it was truly a special night.
The road is still long, but looking at the schedule, there are several tough matches coming up. Of course, you're looking for a win, but you also have to consider the bigger picture and the goal of reaching the next stages of the competition. Is there still room to recover from any setbacks?
"Yes, of course. We have to manage the matches, starting with tomorrow's and the ones that follow. The situation will be very balanced. We still have an excellent chance of achieving our goal, and we must focus on that from now on."
One last question about Rashford and Shaw's condition and their availability for the upcoming matches. I'd also like clarification regarding the bandage we've often seen on Leny Yoro's right knee.
"As for Leny, it's a tendon problem. It's one of those aches and pains that come and go, but he's managing it and has continued to play. He's been fantastic; I'm really pleased with him and his performances. He needs to continue doing the right things, because he's on an excellent path. As for Marcus and Luke, the latter will definitely be out this week and won't be fit to play yet. As for Marcus, however, we'll have to evaluate his recovery day by day."
You're stuck in the old days... refresh your memory and shut up, you might get hurt 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Things are over, Roma is no longer that team.