Michael Carrick insisted that the commitment of his Manchester United players cannot be questioned.

The Red Devils have made a torrid start to the season, winning just two of their 13 matches across all competitions (D4 L7).

United are winless in their last nine games in all competitions (D3 L6) following a defeat to Chelsea; they last had a longer winless run in September 1984 (10 games).

Carrick's side are 17th in the Premier League, while they have won just one of their three Champions League games this season (L2) ahead of hosting Roma on Tuesday.

Plenty of criticism came the way of United's players after their 2-0 loss at Chelsea, with Lisandro Martinez seeing red in a dismal second-half showing at Stamford Bridge, but Carrick refused to question their desire to turn things around.

"The dressing room is a good place," said the United head coach.

"Perception is a funny thing. You can make things look different ways and think about all sorts of different things.

"The commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other - do not question at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but the commitment is not a thing at all."

Remaining steadfast  Watch Michael's #UCL press conference in full 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 2, 2026

United have lost seven of their last 10 Champions League games (W2 D1), their worst ever run across a 10-match stretch in the competition.

They have only lost three in a row in the same campaign in the Champions League once before, in 2004-05. 

However, in a positive omen for Carrick, United have won all four of their home matches against Roma, their joint-best 100% record at home to an opponent in major European competition (also 4/4 v Anderlecht).

Italian sides have faced United away from home in the European Cup/Champions League on 17 occasions, losing 13 of them (W3 D1). The only three victories were all by a 1-0 scoreline: Juventus in 2018 and 1996, AC Milan in 2005.

"I'm actually really looking forward to the game. I can't wait for the game [on Tuesday]," said Carrick.

"You might think I'm crazy with the results we've had and what's going on, but I genuinely really can't wait for the game, and that's all I'm focused on."