On November 3, Manchester United will host Roma on the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase. Ahead of the match, Manchester United manager Carrick attended a press conference.
Hi Michael, you've won 12 of your last 17 games, so you must be really enjoying your job. You said you're looking forward to tomorrow's game. In the current situation, how do you find enjoyment in your work? Do you have to change your mindset?
Change my mindset? What mindset?
When the results aren't 12 wins in 17 games, things get a lot harder. You might have been very happy going to training at 7 AM before, but now it might be more difficult. Do you have to adjust yourself?
This is who I am, and this is what I live for. Many people can do my job when you're winning a lot of games. The key now is to find solutions and answers, stay strong, provide the right leadership and bring out the best in the players. We have to keep pushing for that, but it won't change my mindset at all. I love being here, I love working with the players, and the struggles and challenges only drive you to achieve more.
Hi Michael, on the subject of Roma, I imagine that when you look back at that 7-1 victory from a long time ago (the second leg of the 2006/07 Champions League quarter-finals), it must be a great memory for you. What do you remember of that game? Was it also an example of how things can be completely ignited and turned around on such big occasions?
That was a long time ago, yes, and it was a magical night. It was one of the best nights, best games and best atmospheres I've ever had the privilege to witness. The fact that I scored two goals myself, which was very rare for me, leaves me with extremely fond memories, but it was more about the emotion and atmosphere of the whole stadium that night. It was a very special night.
Michael, looking at the Champions League, I know the format is different now. How do you view Manchester United's current situation? After two tough away defeats and one home win, there is still a long way to go, but there really is a sense of tension: it's a tough game, the schedule is demanding, and you need this win...
Yes, we are certainly looking for a win. There's a bigger picture here, which is to qualify for the knockout stages. You can make up for one or two slip-ups, as long as you make amends in the upcoming games. Tomorrow's game and the ones after it will decide this for us, so we are absolutely still in it, with high hopes of qualifying, and that must be our focus from now on.
Also, as asked earlier, what is the availability of Rashford and Luke Shaw for the upcoming matches? And could you clarify the situation with the bandage we often see on Yoro's right knee?
Yoro just has a minor tendon issue. It's one of those small injuries that comes and goes, but he's been managing it well. Honestly, I think he's been fantastic. He's one of our best players and has been since the first day of preseason. He has impressed all of us tremendously, so I'm very happy with Yoro and his performances. He needs to keep doing the right things, and he's on a very good path of growth. As for Marcus Rashford and Luke... Luke definitely won't be fit this week. As for Marcus, we have to see how his recovery goes day by day.