Michael Carrick has never forgotten the magical evening of 10 April 2007, when Manchester United crushed Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Almost two decades later, the former English midfielder recalls that encounter with nostalgia, just ahead of another challenge against the Italian side.
Back then, Manchester United was managed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and was one of the most feared teams in Europe. Carrick was one of the key players in that side, not only for his role in midfield but also for his influence in the dressing room. In the historic win over Roma, he scored two goals and was one of the main protagonists of that evening.
“It’s not something that happened yesterday, many years have passed… It was an extraordinary evening, perhaps the best of my entire career. I was very lucky to be part of it,” Carrick said.
Football has changed a lot since then. Manchester United today is far from its former glory and is going through a difficult period, with disappointing results both in Europe and in the league. The contrast with the Ferguson era is evident, while Carrick now manages the team from the dugout.
On the other side, Roma are in a much more positive situation, competing at high levels in Serie A and seeking to consolidate their position in Europe.
