Carrick insists Man Utd players remain committed after nine winless games

Nine games without a win

Manchester United have gone nine matches without a win, a run Al Jazeera calls their worst in 38 years, while the Evening Standard puts their worst start to a campaign at 40 years. United have one league win this season and seven points from nine Premier League games, which leaves them 17th according to the Evening Standard. Al Jazeera reports that the 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah at Old Trafford on 10 September was their only victory since August. The latest setback came on Saturday, 31 October, when Chelsea won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge with goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. Lisandro Martinez was sent off for elbowing Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, a foul that conceded the penalty Palmer scored, and he will miss Sunday's game against Aston Villa.

Pressure on Carrick over his future

Carrick's position has been questioned since a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth and a 4-1 loss at Como, where he apologised to travelling supporters, according to the Evening Standard. The same outlet reported that the club had spared him the sack and would reassess his position during the November international break. Asked about the speculation, Carrick said it has no influence on how the team prepares for games. He insisted the pressure does not change how he feels about the job, and he said the squad is focused on the next match. His own words on the role follow.

“I love being here, I love working with the players.”

Commitment questions around Martinez

After the defeat at Atletico Madrid in October, Martinez publicly criticised sporting director Jason Wilcox and the club's recruitment, then apologised, the Independent reports. Carrick said he has no doubts about the defender's attitude and does not question the commitment of the players to the club, to him or to each other. Martinez's contract expires in the summer, but United hold an option to add a further year. Captain Bruno Fernandes has also spoken bluntly after a match, questioning the manager's tactics following the 4-1 defeat at Como. Carrick said he is not troubled by the perception that the squad lacks discipline.

“The commitment is not an issue.”

Roma test and squad news

United host Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 3 November, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with SAPO listing a 20:00 kick-off. United are 20th in the table with three points, one fewer than Roma, who are 15th. Al Jazeera reports that Roma have started Serie A unbeaten, and their only defeat this season was a 4-3 loss to Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October. Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw will not feature, with Shaw out until the international break and Dorgu back in training but not involved against Roma. Carrick said the club will assess Marcus Rashford's fitness day by day as he keeps improving.