Como's rain‑soaked thrashing puts Michael Carrick's job in jeopardy
On 21 October 2026, Manchester United travelled to rain‑soaked Como and suffered a 4‑1 defeat, prompting manager Michael Carrick to apologise directly to the club’s supporters before walking past his players and exiting the tunnel. The match, played under lashing rain, saw only about one hundred of the 700 travelling fans remain by full‑time.
A crowd of roughly 700 United supporters made the journey to Como, only to be greeted by lashing rain. By the time the final whistle blew, most had already abandoned the open‑ended away section, leaving about a hundred sodden fans still present. The incident was recorded by Nathan Ridley for the Sport desk at 20:28 on 21 October 2026.
After the final whistle, Carrick shook hands with opponent Cesc Fabregas before marching straight to the remaining supporters. He placed one hand on his chest, raised both arms in apology and then walked past his players, disappearing down the tunnel.
Season’s poor form adds pressure
United have secured just two victories from eleven matches across all competitions this season, and Wednesday’s display against Como was described as the poorest of an already sorry campaign. The defeat widened the gap between the club’s ambitions and its on‑field reality, intensifying scrutiny of Carrick’s tenure.
In a post‑match interview with, Carrick called the performance “more than disappointing” and said he “100 per cent takes responsibility for the overall team and the performance”. He added that accountability “stops with me” and he is “absolutely fine” with that burden.
Jamie Carragher says Carrick benched Bruno Fernandes to embarrass him
He stressed his “unbelievable” care for the supporters, describing them as the “heartbeat of this football club”. Carrick said there were “no excuses” and that watching such a performance was “unacceptable” for a lifelong fan.
Bruno Fernandes criticises tactics
United captain Bruno Fernandes, who was substituted after a poor display, blamed the staff for tactical errors, saying the team failed to press man‑to‑man and gave opponents too much space. He argued that a more courageous, high‑pressing approach was needed to prevent the centre‑back from marking him in his own half.
Carrick replied that United had “half‑pressed man‑to‑man” in the second half and conceded a goal as a result. He also noted that without running forward or back, “you ain’t going to win”, echoing the need for better movement.
Carrick is de stem van de crisis bij Manchester United
The hammering has left Carrick’s job hanging by a thread, with United fans openly calling for his dismissal. As the rain finally eased, the lingering supporters watched the manager walk away, their disappointment palpable.