Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly questioned Michael Carrick’s tactical approach following the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Italian side Como in the UEFA Champions League.
The result has intensified pressure on the United head coach, whose team has now gone seven matches without a victory, raising fresh concerns about his future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes criticized the coaching staff’s decision not to press opponents man-to-man, arguing that allowing Como too much possession gave the Italian side confidence.
Asked whether Carrick got his tactics wrong, the Portuguese midfielder said the manager and his staff should assess it, adding that United sometimes needed to take greater risks by pressing higher up the pitch and making opponents uncomfortable.
Carrick responded firmly to his captain’s criticism, insisting that tactical decisions would make little difference if players failed to work hard.
The former United midfielder said his team needed to run forward and track back, emphasizing that a lack of effort would make winning matches difficult regardless of the system employed.
The defeat was particularly damaging for Carrick, who apologized to the approximately 700 Manchester United supporters who traveled to Italy.
He described the performance as unacceptable and admitted his players’ approach to the match was disappointing.
However, he declined to discuss his future, insisting that his immediate concern was acknowledging the supporters’ frustration and taking responsibility for the team’s display.
United’s poor form has left them 13th in the Premier League, just three points above bottom-placed Sunderland, while their latest defeat extended their winless run to seven matches.
Como’s Nico Paz opened the scoring in just 118 seconds before scoring twice and creating another goal.
Joshua Zirkzee managed a late consolation for United, but Como had already secured a memorable victory.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with Carrick’s position in doubt.
