By Fatma Younis
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick insists he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma despite the team's nine-game winless run.
Third consecutive defeat at Chelsea
United suffered a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, their third straight defeat, after a dominant first half gave way to a second-half collapse. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Chelsea before Lisandro Martinez was sent off for two yellow cards in two minutes, and Cole Palmer converted the resulting penalty.
Carrick backed by hierarchy
Carrick, who held talks with the club's hierarchy this week, said he was "not surprised" to be given the game against Chelsea. Asked by TNT Sports if he believes he will be in charge against Roma, Carrick replied: "Yes."
First-half promise undone
The former midfielder restored captain Bruno Fernandes to the starting lineup, leading to an improved first-half display in which Fernandes and Amad Diallo missed chances to put United ahead. "Half-time we could have and should have been up," Carrick admitted. "Everything was positive as we hoped for. We looked in a good place and then found a way of unravelling the second half."
Martinez red card pivotal
Martinez's dismissal proved decisive, with Carrick acknowledging its major importance on the game. The Argentine had criticised the United hierarchy in an interview earlier this month before apologising. Carrick said he did not feel let down by Martinez, while former Chelsea forward Joe Cole described the red card as "unfathomable" and said Martinez had let his teammates down.
Upcoming fixtures
United face in-form Roma, unbeaten in Serie A, at Old Trafford on Tuesday, followed by a home match against Aston Villa on Sunday before the international break. Carrick was applauded by travelling supporters at Stamford Bridge, though some boos were directed at the players.
