Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has questioned head coach Michael Carrick’s tactical decisions following the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League, increasing pressure on the manager amid the team’s poor run of form.
The defeat on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, left United facing mounting criticism after another disappointing performance that raised fresh doubts about Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes, speaking after the match, suggested that United’s approach to pressing and defending allowed Como to dominate the game and build confidence.
According to the Portuguese midfielder, the coaching staff’s decision not to press opponents individually created too much space for the Italian side to exploit.
He argued that Manchester United needed to take greater risks by pressing higher up the pitch to disrupt Como’s attacking play.
When asked whether Carrick had made the wrong tactical decisions, Fernandes said the responsibility rested with the manager and his coaching staff.
Responding to the criticism, Carrick insisted that tactical decisions alone could not explain the defeat, arguing that the players’ failure to work hard enough contributed significantly to the result.
“If you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you aren't going to win,” Carrick said.
Carrick Apologises to Supporters
Following the final whistle, Carrick walked across the pitch to acknowledge Manchester United supporters who had travelled to Italy to watch the match.
The former United midfielder apologised to the fans, describing the team’s performance as unacceptable and admitting that the manner of the defeat was particularly disappointing.
Carrick said he understood the supporters’ frustration and remained deeply committed to the club, despite the growing criticism surrounding his leadership.
However, he declined to discuss his future, insisting that his immediate concern was the team’s performance and the disappointment experienced by the fans.
Manchester United’s Poor Form Continues
The defeat extended United’s winless run to seven matches, their worst sequence since recording eight consecutive games without victory under former manager Louis van Gaal in 2015.
United are also struggling in the Premier League, sitting 13th in the table and just three points above bottom-placed Sunderland, according to the report.
Despite winning 12 of his 17 matches in charge last season and helping the club return to the Champions League, Carrick is now facing growing pressure as the new campaign continues to unravel.
United’s only other victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions came against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK in the Champions League.
Como’s Nico Paz was instrumental in the Italian side’s victory, opening the scoring after just 118 seconds before contributing further to the hosts’ dominance.
Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal for United, preventing the English side from suffering one of the heaviest defeats in their European history.
Carrick’s Future Under Scrutiny
The latest setback has intensified speculation about Carrick’s future, with supporters directing their anger at the club’s ownership and senior leadership.
Some observers have also questioned whether United’s struggles are partly linked to shortcomings in the summer transfer window, particularly the failure to strengthen the left-back position and provide additional competition for striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox and other senior officials have also faced scrutiny over the club’s recruitment strategy and financial limitations.
Carrick, however, maintained that he was giving everything possible to improve the team’s fortunes.
Manchester United will now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Bournemouth, a match that could prove significant for Carrick as pressure continues to mount.
With results deteriorating and disagreements over tactics becoming increasingly public, United face an important test as they attempt to restore confidence and halt their alarming decline.
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