Kobbie Mainoo backs Manchester United to end poor run, insists they are ‘one win away from turning it around’

Kobbie Mainoo believes Manchester United are just one victory away from turning their difficult season around as they prepare for a crucial Champions League encounter against Roma.

The midfielder has called on his teammates to maintain belief and deliver a strong performance when the two sides meet, with United desperate for a positive result after a disappointing run of performances.

Michael Carrick’s side head into the fixture under mounting pressure, having gone without a victory since their September win over Champions League newcomers Sabah FK.

Their struggles have extended across competitions, with the Red Devils losing seven of their last 10 Champions League matches and collecting just seven points from nine Premier League games this season.

United have also failed to score in four of those league fixtures and have already suffered elimination from the EFL Cup, adding to the growing scrutiny surrounding Carrick’s leadership.

The latest setback came on Saturday when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, leaving them with little room for further mistakes ahead of the Roma test.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Mainoo remains convinced that United have the quality to reverse their fortunes, insisting that a single victory could provide the momentum needed to rebuild confidence.

“Really determined (to right the recent wrongs), (at) a club like Man United, we’re always going to come under scrutiny (with) bad results but we’re one win away from turning it around,” Mainoo said.

Mainoo delighted to return as United seek revival

Mainoo’s return to action has provided a timely boost for United as they attempt to arrest their slump and rediscover consistency.

The midfielder admitted that being sidelined and watching his teammates struggle from the sidelines had been difficult, making his return to the pitch particularly significant.

However, he stressed that personal satisfaction would count for little unless United could translate their performances into victories.

“It means everything (to be back in action), it’s tough being away from it and watching the team from the sideline. Just to be back on the pitch, no matter the result, is good, but now we need the wins,” he added.

His return could prove important as Carrick looks to find solutions to United’s recent problems, particularly with the team needing greater control and creativity in midfield.

The 19-year-old’s comments also underline the urgency within the dressing room, with United aware that their current form has increased expectations ahead of another demanding European assignment.

Mainoo warns against Roma threat but insists United can win

Roma present another difficult challenge for United, with the Italian side arriving in England after an impressive start to their domestic campaign.

The visitors are unbeaten in Italy’s top flight and will be confident of extending their positive run against a United team struggling for results.

Mainoo acknowledged the quality of their opponents but insisted that the English side must not approach the encounter with any sense of inferiority.

“They’ve had a really good start to the season, we know they’re dangerous, but we’re also dangerous as well so we have to have full belief in ourselves, come together as a team and hopefully get the win,” he said.

The midfielder also described playing in the Champions League as a dream, although he believes United must avoid allowing the occasion to distract them from the task at hand.

“It’s a dream to be back in the Champions League, but now we’re just focused on the game. We have to take it as another game, although it’s a big one and an important one for our season, we have to go in there and give a performance.”

United look to history for inspiration against Roma

Manchester United will also draw encouragement from their previous meetings with Roma as they attempt to secure a much-needed victory.

The two clubs have faced each other eight times, with the Red Devils recording five wins in those encounters.

Playing at Old Trafford could provide another advantage for Carrick’s men, but their recent performances mean they will need considerably more than home support and historical superiority to overcome the Italian visitors.