9 games winless: Carrick trusts pressing for Roma clash

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he is "crazy" to look forward to the Champions League clash against Roma, despite his side going winless in their last nine matches.

United are on their worst run in 38 years, with tactical scrutiny growing by the game. Defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como have left them 21st in the Champions League league phase. Only the top 24 progress, so Carrick has little room for error.

Carrick’s pressing focus and squad selection under the microscope

Training at Carrington suggests the squad remains committed to Carrick’s main ideas, especially pressing and collective defensive work. Lisandro Martinez is expected to keep his place despite debate over his red card at Chelsea and his vocal criticism of club hierarchy. Carrick has dismissed doubts over Martinez’s attitude, saying "commitment is not an issue." He has also said mistakes are part of the game and do not show a lack of effort or buy-in.

Pressing is the key. Carrick wants his side compact vertically, with the midfield moving together when United close down opponents. In the open session, Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba were vocal, pointing to a role leading the press from the front. United want to disrupt Roma’s buildup before it reaches the final third and win the ball high. Carrick usually asks central midfielders, including Kobbie Mainoo, to press in tandem before turning quickly from defense to attack. Loose passes from Roma’s defenders could offer the route in.

United’s defensive line remains a concern after recent lapses allowed opponents to play through the first press. Martinez’s likely inclusion points to an aggressive high line, with Carrick trusting the Argentina defender’s anticipation and ability to move the ball from the back. Roma could find space on the counter if they beat that first wave.

Changes are unavoidable. Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, and Benjamin Sesko are injured, taking width and direct running from Carrick’s usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Patrick Dorgu has returned to training but is not available for selection. United’s full-back choices are therefore limited, which may affect their ability to stretch Roma in possession and recover against wide overloads.

Roma’s build-up and United’s need for transitional sharpness

Roma come to Old Trafford with only one defeat all season. That came in the Champions League against Real Madrid, when Roma led 3-1 with seven minutes left before a late collapse. They are comfortable building from the back and have shown resilience in possession. Yet that Madrid result suggests United may find chances through sustained pressure and quick transitions.

Carrick’s preparation appears focused on drawing out the kind of late lapses Roma suffered against Real Madrid. Mainoo will be important in connecting recoveries with distribution and making the most of turnovers in the opposition half. His work as a second-phase presser and outlet for fast vertical passes may matter even more without Rashford’s direct threat.

Intensity across both halves will test United’s pressing structure. In previous matches, energy and discipline have dropped after the break, leaving gaps between the lines and slow recovery runs. Carrick’s view that the "dressing room is a good place" comes with a demand for improvement. "We need to play better, make better decisions," he said. Tactical discipline, rather than effort alone, is needed to end the winless run.

Carrick’s optimism has a purpose beyond his formation choices. By showing belief and refusing to blame individuals, he is trying to build collective accountability. United need that unity for coordinated pressing and defensive work.

Mainoo said the squad feels responsible for fighting for both the manager and supporters, particularly after the home defeat to Bournemouth ended with boos from the Stretford End. His comments make the task plain: tactical improvement must come with unity and mental resilience if United are to get a result against Roma.