Carrick admits 'whatever happens will happen' before United's crunch Champions League tie

Michael Carrick has all but conceded that his time as Manchester United manager could be drawing to a close, delivering a candid admission at his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s Champions League fixture against AS Roma at Old Trafford.

“I can’t look into the future, I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” the 45-year-old told reporters, in quotes via The Athletic. “I am really looking forward to the game tomorrow, you might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had. Whatever happens will happen after that, whatever direction it goes in.”

The remarks mark a significant departure from the defiant tone typically adopted by managers under pressure. Rather than pledging to fight for his job, Carrick appeared to accept that events beyond his control may determine his fate at Old Trafford.

The backdrop is bleak. United have won just two of their last nine matches across all competitions, a run that includes a five-game winless streak, an early Carabao Cup exit, and a return of seven points from their opening nine Premier League fixtures. Damaging draws against 10-man Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have been followed by a defeat away to Atlético Madrid in Europe.

The atmosphere inside the dressing room has also deteriorated. Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised the club’s summer recruitment following the Atlético loss, a move that reportedly triggered a confrontation with a teammate on the flight back to Manchester. The episode has added to the sense that Carrick’s gentler managerial approach has failed to stabilise a fractured squad.

With the November international break approaching, the coming days are widely seen as a natural juncture for the club to act. National outlets have already linked Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler with the vacancy, alongside more experienced options in Antonio Conte and Unai Emery.

The Roma match now carries the weight of what could be Carrick’s final game in charge — a reality the manager himself appears to have quietly accepted.