AS Roma Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4
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Count AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini among the people surprised by how quickly Man Utd have plunged to new depths under Michael Carrick.
From title-winning form last season under interim Michael Carrick to relegation-bound form this season under permanent Man Utd manager, it has been a puzzling downturn in fortunes.
The next test for a beleaguered Man Utd is AS Roma in the Champions League, and Carrick’s men need to break their nine-game winless streak.
Gasperini has one hope for Man Utd, but it comes with bewilderment as to how this has gone so badly for the club so quickly.
Gasperini puzzled by Man Utd struggles
Gasperini has made a career out of getting more than the sum of its parts with all his teams during his career, and is one of the most respected managers in world football.
It speaks volumes about United’s situation that not even someone as knowledgeable as him can’t decipher the problems at Old Trafford.
Ahead of facing United in the Champions League, Gasperini was asked what he makes of United’s struggles so far this season, and he could only speak in hope.
He said that he was puzzled by United’s predicament, but the strength of the squad means they are always a threat.
As one of football’s romantics, he also said that he hopes United turn it around soon, but wait until they have faced his team first!
He said: “I don’t really know why Man Utd are experiencing the difficulties that they are at the moment. But what I do know is that Manchester United is made up of very strong players and sometimes you go through a hard time, but then you get back on track and you start getting good results. I hope that is what happens to Manchester United after tomorrow obviously.”
Carrick has two home games up next before the international break, and it’s impossible to shake off the feeling that nothing except two wins will get his tenure back on track.
Beating Gasperini and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in consecutive games will be good enough for Man Utd fans to give Carrick more time, but on current form, you’d back them to lose these as well.