Carrick’s future at Old Trafford has come under increasing scrutiny following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, which extended United’s winless run in all competitions to nine games, their longest such streak since 1984.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, the 45-year-old manager rejected suggestions that the upcoming fixtures against Roma in Europe and Aston Villa in the Premier League could determine his future at the club.
The Villa encounter, which comes immediately before the international break, has reportedly raised speculation that the United hierarchy could use the period to consider a managerial change.
“No, not at all,” Carrick said when asked whether he believed he had only two games remaining in charge.
“If you look into the future, you never know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen. That doesn’t change the way I feel or how we’re preparing for the game tomorrow.
“I’m actually really looking forward to the game. I can’t wait for it. You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but I genuinely can’t wait.”
Carrick also dismissed concerns about defender Lisandro Martínez’s commitment to the club following his dismissal during Saturday’s defeat at Stamford Bridge. The defender had previously expressed frustration over the club’s investment in the squad.
“Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things, sometimes you make decisions, sometimes you make mistakes, and sometimes it goes well for you. But the commitment is not an issue for sure,” Carrick stated.
Despite United’s difficult run of results, the manager insisted that relationships and commitment within the dressing room remain strong.
“Perception is a funny thing. You can make things look all sorts of different ways and think about all sorts of different things,” he said.
“I’ve said it before, the commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other, I don’t question that at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but commitment is not a thing at all.”
Manchester United currently occupy 17th position in the Premier League, just above the relegation zone, after collecting only seven points from their opening nine matches.
Their European campaign has also been disappointing, with the Red Devils sitting 20th in the Champions League group phase following a 4-1 defeat to Como, leaving their qualification hopes uncertain.
Meanwhile, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who joined Carrick at the press conference, expressed optimism that the team could turn its fortunes around.
“We’ve not had the results we’ve wanted,” the 21-year-old said. “But we need to look forward now. There’s big, big games ahead and I feel like we’re one win away from changing that.”
Carrick also reflected on his memorable experience against Roma during his playing career, when he scored twice in Manchester United’s famous 7-1 Champions League quarter-final second-leg victory over the Italian side in 2007.
“It was a magical night, I have to say. It was one of the best nights, one of the best games, one of the best atmospheres I’ve been fortunate enough to witness,” he recalled.
“The fact that I scored a couple, and that was very unusual, gives me great memories, but it was more the emotion of the night. I have to say, it was a special one.”
