Carrick: ‘Roma are a really good team, big game for Manchester United’
ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, at half time during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick admits Roma ‘are a really good team’ and will put Manchester United under pressure in the Champions League tonight, as he explains some unusual choices.
It kicks off at Old Trafford at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CEST).
Lenny Yoro is available again after his suspension against Como, but Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Luke Shaw are still out of action.
“It’s a big game, and it’s what you expect in this competition. [Roma] have had a really good start to the season and credit to them for that, they’re a really good team. It’s why we want to be in this competition, we want to challenge ourselves against good teams, and try to come out on top. It’s a big night for us,” Carrick told Amazon Prime UK via BBC Sport.
Lisandro Martinez was sent off at the weekend in the defeat to Chelsea and is dropped to the bench today.
“We have to pick a team. We have a good squad, we have decisions to make. We have changed one or two in recent weeks, so we made the decision to go with this team tonight.”
Kobbie Mainoo made his comeback from injury as a substitute over the weekend, and starts today with Carlos Baleba for a new partnership.
“We have some really good midfielders, and different combinations provide different strengths. Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba have played recently together. Kobbie is back fit, and we just felt it was a good stage to put him back in.
“You’d like to think that they complement each other with the attributes they both have, and I’m looking forward to seeing them tonight,” explained Carrick.
Manchester United have been on disastrous form, without a victory since the 4-0 Champions League result with Sabah FK on September 10.
That was followed by three draws and six defeats in all competition, including a crushing 4-1 loss on Italian soil against Como.
On the other hand, Roma lost only one game all season, 4-3 to Real Madrid when leading 3-1 going into the 82nd minute.
“They play man to man and press all over the pitch you never really get time on the ball. Their play never really settles. Roma are really good at what they do.”
Carrick was not only in the Manchester United side that beat Roma 7-1 in 2007, he also scored two goals alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
“That’s a long time ago. I think tonight is a whole new Manchester United. It’s the next opportunity for us to win a football match, we are looking to do that, we need to do that, and tonight would be a good one to win,” he concluded.
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