Carrick faces pressure as Manchester United host Roma

Carrick’s side enter the match after a 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday, extending their winless run in all competitions to nine games. The coach, who received a two-year contract after guiding United to third place last season, is facing mounting speculation about his job less than six months into the deal.

United have collected three points from their first three Champions League matches and sit 20th in the standings. Roma are a point ahead. A defeat would leave United with three points at the halfway stage of the league phase, with away games against Sporting and Villarreal and home matches against Leipzig and Bayern still to come.

Carrick said on Monday that the results had not changed his focus or enthusiasm for the Roma game. He also defended the players’ commitment, while acknowledging that the team needs to perform better and make better decisions.

United’s predicted lineup includes Kobbie Mainoo in midfield after he returned as a substitute against Chelsea. Matthijs de Ligt could also come into the defense, while Luke Shaw is expected to remain unavailable until after the international break. United’s next match after Roma is against Aston Villa on Saturday.