Bruno Fernandes slams Michael Carrick’s tactics after Como defeat

At the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday, Manchester United were thrashed 4‑1 by Italian side Como in the Champions League, prompting captain Bruno Fernandes to openly question manager Michael Carrick’s tactical approach. The defeat deepened United’s crisis after a troubled start to the campaign, with seven points from seven Premier League matches and defender Lisandro Martinez flagging the club’s shortcomings.

Fernandes' critique of Carrick's tactics

Fernandes was withdrawn after 67 minutes at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. He told, “It’s a decision from the staff to not press man‑to‑man and sometimes leave a little bit of space in behind, and trying to get the ball in the first moment, to wait for them, to give them the ball.”

He added, “Sometimes when you give too much of the ball to these teams, they get confidence… It’s on the manager and on the staff to say it, it is not on me. I think we have to be more brave under pressure, press high and make them uncomfortable.”

Como's clinical display

One of the early goals came within two minutes, with Nico Paz opening the scoring. The early blow, Fernandes said, “Conceding the goal very early makes us feel… already in a mood of a defeat.”

Carrick under mounting pressure as United weigh his future and Fernandes' captaincy

Paz completed a brace in the second half, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon added the other two goals, giving the Italian side their second win in three Champions League matches.

United's season in turmoil

United have collected just seven points from seven Premier League games, a troubled start highlighted by defender Lisandro Martinez, who publicly flagged the club’s shortcomings. Carrick’s position is under pressure as the defeat deepened a run of six winless games across all competitions.

Carrick vows to restore United’s identity after 4-1 defeat to Como

Missing nine players through injury, suspension or illness, United fielded Mathijs de Ligt – making his first appearance in 325 days – alongside Harry Maguire in central defence. Carrick reshuffled the midfield, moving Tielemans centrally, placing Fernandes at No 10 and promoting Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo, while Martin Baturina was taken off after a penalty claim was denied.