Without a win in nine matches in all competitions, Manchester United are in their worst crisis since the 1988-89 season. With the club 17th in the Premier League and down to 21st in the Champions League table, manager Michael Carrick regards the visit of Roma to Old Trafford as a defining test. "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," Carrick told his press conference. Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba stood out in training, while Lisandro Martinez was fully involved despite the red card he received against Chelsea. With the club on the brink of collapse, the United boss insisted the mood in the squad remained good: "Perceptions are a funny thing... The dressing room is a good place."
Kobbie Mainoo, the 21-year-old England midfielder who has been on United's books since the age of seven, marked his return from a muscle injury by stressing the responsibility that comes with the club. "I've been at this club for a long time and know there's always going to be ups and downs... I feel like we're one win away from changing that," he said. United have not gone 10 games without a win in a single campaign since 1977-78, and the last time they were relegated from the top flight was in 1973-74. Roma, for their part, have lost only once this season, to Real Madrid, in a match they were leading 3-1 with seven minutes remaining.
Patrocinado
