Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has brushed aside questions about his long-term future, insisting his focus is on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AS Roma as his side seek to end a nine-match winless run.

United head into the home fixture under pressure after collecting seven points from nine Premier League games. The result leaves them 17th in the table, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

The club are enduring their longest winless run since 1984, with recent defeats against Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea raising questions about Carrick’s position.

Despite the poor results, the United board has opted to retain the former midfielder. However, Carrick said uncertainty over his future would not affect preparations for the Roma encounter.

“That does not influence how we prepare or the game tomorrow.

“We cannot wait for the ⁠game tomorrow. That is all I am focused on. What happens after, happens. Whatever direction it goes ​in …

“I love being here, I love working with the players. The struggles, the challenges, that just drives ​you on to want even more.”

Carrick backs Man Utd, players.

United also face pressure in the Champions League, where they sit 21st with three points from three matches. Roma are 15th with four points.

Carrick described the upcoming fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa as an opportunity for his team to turn their fortunes around.

“We know what we are ​capable of. We are close but need to act on it quickly,” he said.

“We have two great ​games this week (at home to Roma and Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday). A great opportunity to ‌attack the game and make it a good night.”

The United manager also defended centre-back Lisandro Martinez following his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, insisting the Argentine’s commitment was not in question.

“Things happen in football. Sometimes you make mistakes. The commitment is not an issue,” he added.

Dressing room remains united.

Carrick’s comments come amid growing tensions at the club. Captain Bruno Fernandes previously questioned the team’s tactics after their 4-1 defeat to Como, while Martinez criticised the club’s hierarchy following their Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, calling for greater investment.

However, the United boss maintained that the squad remained committed despite the difficult results.

“The dressing room is a good place,” he said. “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.”

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