Carrick shrugs off Man Utd sacking talk ahead of Roma match

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Michael Carrick brushed off suggestions he has just two games left as Manchester United boss as he prepares his underperforming side for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Roma. Carrick’s position at Old Trafford is increasingly precarious following Saturday’s 0-2 defeat at Chelsea, which extended United’s winless run in all competitions to nine games — they last had a longer such sequence in 1984. Former United and England midfielder Carrick was asked at his pre-match press conference on Monday whether he felt he had just two games remaining at the helm — against Roma and Aston Villa. The Villa match on Sunday comes just before an international break, potentially giving the United hierarchy an opportunity to make a managerial change. “No, not at all,” said the 45-year-old, in his first full season 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, how we’re preparing for the game tomorrow. “I’m actually really looking forward to the game, can’t wait for the game tomorrow. 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 said he had “no concerns” over the commitment of out-of-form Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who was sent off in United’s defeat at Stamford Bridge. The defender had previously criticised club chiefs over a lack of investment in the squad. “Things happen in football, sometimes you do things, sometimes you make decisions, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it goes well for you, but the commitment is not an issue for sure,” said Carrick. The United head coach insisted the dressing room was in “a good place” despite the club’s terrible…