Michael Carrick accepts it might sound “crazy” but the beleaguered Manchester United boss says he is looking forward to the Champions League showdown with Roma at Old Trafford.
United go into Tuesday’s game without a win in nine matches in all competitions.
It is their worst run since 1988-89. They have not gone 10 without a win in a single campaign since 1977-78 and there is a growing feeling Carrick will lose his job during the forthcoming international break.
Roma’s only defeat so far this season was at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, when they led 3-1 with seven minutes left.
United are 17th in the Premier League and after defeats by Atletico Madrid and Como have slumped to 21st in the Champions League table after three games, with only the top 24 making it through.
It is a bleak backdrop, but rather than fret over what lies ahead, Carrick is viewing it as a chance to change the narrative of the season.
“You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but genuinely, I really can’t wait for the game,” said Carrick. “I’m really looking forward to it.
“Listen, I can’t look into the future, you never know what’s going to happen. That doesn’t change the way I feel. Whatever happens is going to happen in whatever direction it goes in, but we want to make it a big night tomorrow.”
Carrick watched over a lively open session of pre-match training at Carrington.
Striker Bryan Mbeumo and midfielder Carlos Baleba were particularly vocal, with Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez also fully engaged despite his red card at Chelsea, which triggered such a negative reaction.
While there have been calls for Martinez to be dropped for the Roma game, Carrick was more philosophical.
“Things happen in football,” he said.
“Sometimes you do things; you make a decision, you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you.”
He also dismissed concerns both about Martinez’s commitment, and that of his entire squad.
“Perceptions are a funny thing,” he said.
“They can make things look all sorts of different ways. The dressing room is a good place.
“I’ve said it before, I don’t question the commitment of the players, to the club and to me and to each other. We need to play better. We can make better decisions. But commitment’s not a thing at all.”