Carrick refuses to quit after United's Champions League loss at Como

Under pressure, Michael Carrick faced a humiliating Champions League loss at Como on Wednesday evening in Italy, apologising to Manchester United supporters and questioning his players. The defeat extended the Red Devils' winless run to a seventh straight match in all competitions – a low not seen since 2015.

Como dominate United

Cesc Fabregas’ Como side outplayed United from the first minute. Nico Paz struck a brace, while Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon added further goals. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee provided a stoppage‑time consolation, leaving United on the losing end of a 4‑1 scoreline.

Carrick apologises to fans

At the largely empty away end of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Carrick raised his hands and said, "First of all, I have to apologise to the supporters." He added that the performance lacked intensity, spirit and aggression, describing it as "tough to watch" and far from the standards he expects.

No thoughts on his future

When pressed about his future, Carrick sidestepped the question, stating, "Listen, I’ve not given my own position any thought." He insisted his focus remains on the supporters and that he was not happy with what he witnessed.

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He compared the night to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 4‑1 loss at Watford in November 2021, noting that while poor performances happen, "to do it in that manner is really not right at all." Carrick also reflected on the purposeful draw at Leeds that he felt marked a fresh start.

Tactical fallout

Bruno Fernandes, this season’s player of the year, has been criticised for a pale imitation of his previous form, and Lisandro Martinez recently lashed out at the club hierarchy after a loss at Atletico Madrid. Fernandes said the staff chose not to press man‑to‑man at Como, leaving space behind. Carrick admitted they "half‑pressed man‑to‑man in the second half" and conceded a goal, adding that without running forward and back, victory is impossible.

The United side earned a Champions League return earlier this year, with Carrick confirmed on a permanent basis and Fernandes receiving player‑of‑the‑year honours. Yet the current campaign has seen the Red Devils struggle, their winless streak echoing a period not experienced since 2015.

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Carrick concluded by hoping United’s players’ lives are "wrapped around the football club" as his are, and expressed difficulty in understanding how the performance at Como differed so starkly from the display at Elland Road.