Carrick dismisses 2-game ultimatum

Michael Carrick does not feel he has just two games left to save his Manchester United job, despite the growing scrutiny on his position ahead of today’s Champions League game against Roma.

With United’s results continuing to raise questions over his future, the approaching international break has brought another layer of uncertainty, with just two matches remaining before it.

Asked whether he felt like a manager with only two games left, Carrick said: “No, not at all. You can’t look into the future. You never know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen.

“That doesn’t change the way I feel. That doesn’t change how we’re preparing for the game today. I’m actually really looking forward to the game. I can’t wait for the game today.

“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 today, and that’s all I’m focused on.

“Whatever happens is going to happen after that, in whatever direction it goes in. But we want to make it a big night tomorrow night first.”

Carrick also had to navigate questions over the commitment of his players, with Lisandro Martinez’s situation coming under particular scrutiny.

The Argentina international was sent off in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, receiving two yellow cards within three minutes. The first came for tripping Morgan Rogers, before he was dismissed for flinging an arm at Wesley Fofana.

It was the latest flashpoint in a difficult period for Martinez, whose commitment had already been questioned following an interview in which he to take aim at director of football Jason Wilcox after the defeat to Atletico Madrid and United’s transfer business.

Carrick, however, was adamant there were no concerns over the defender’s desire to play for the club.

“No, I’ve got no concerns about commitment at all,” he said.

“Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things. Sometimes you make a decision. Sometimes you make mistakes. Sometimes it goes well for you.

“But the commitment is not an issue, for sure.”

Martinez is also approaching a key point in his contract, with Bruno Fernandes in a similar position. Both players are entering the final year of their deals.

Asked whether decisions had been made over their futures, Carrick offered little indication of the club’s plans.

“When anything’s finalised, you know how discussions go, and when everything’s finalised, we’ll let you know,” he said.

“But at this stage, there’s nothing further to update, really.”-Skysports

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