Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes openly questioned Michael Carrick’s approach after one of the club’s bleakest European evenings, as a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como piled pressure on the head coach.
Como rout raises questions over Carrick
The comprehensive loss left Carrick facing fresh scrutiny over whether he should remain in charge.
After the final whistle, Carrick bypassed his dejected players and walked across the pitch to the 700 United supporters who had travelled to Italy. He repeatedly raised his hands in apology, a scene reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s response after United lost 4-1 at Watford in November 2021. Solskjaer was removed from his post 24 hours later.
Fernandes, regarded within the squad as a dedicated student of the game with a strong understanding of tactical detail, intensified the criticism during his post-match television interview.
Fernandes questions United’s defensive plan
- Fernandes said United’s staff had chosen not to press Como man-to-man, instead leaving room in behind while attempting to win possession.
- He warned that allowing technically capable opponents too much of the ball gives them belief and momentum.
- When asked if Carrick’s game plan had been wrong, the captain said it was for the manager and coaching staff to assess.
- He added that United sometimes needed to show greater courage under pressure by pressing higher and making opponents uncomfortable.
“The staff decided that we would not press man to man and would at times leave space behind us as we tried to win the ball,” Fernandes said. “But when you let teams like this have too much possession, they grow in confidence.”
On whether the tactics were mistaken, he said: “That is for the manager and his staff to decide. At times, you have to be braver when under pressure, take the chance to press high and make them feel uncomfortable.”
Carrick accepts responsibility and apologises
When Fernandes’ remarks were put to him during his press conference, Carrick responded sharply, saying no system or tactical plan could succeed if players failed to run forwards or track back.
Carrick declined to discuss his own prospects in the job, choosing instead to address the performance and accept responsibility for it.
The former United midfielder said:
- “I need to apologise to the supporters. I care for this club as much as anybody, perhaps even more given the role I hold and how highly I value it. Performing like that is unacceptable.”
- “I always go to the fans, whatever the result, so there was no special reason for doing it this time.”
- “It was about recognising what they have been through and what they have given us over the past few weeks. As I have said, I used to be one of them.”
- “I feel exactly what they feel. This club has values: what it stands for and the way it wants to play. We can win or lose, but the manner of tonight’s display was unacceptable. I wanted supporters to know I feel for them.”
- “I have not spent any time thinking about my own role. This is about the supporters. I was once in their position watching that, and I was not happy at all.”
