Champions League
Hamann's swift coach dismissal: United's crisis hits new low
Manchester United suffered a clear defeat on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, as the Red Devils lost 1-4 in Como. Didi Hamann, author of a Sky column, described the result as another low point in an already deep crisis of the world club that has further intensified.
Champions League disaster in Como
The match in Como was already United's second defeat in the third Champions League encounter of this season. Hamann criticized in his column that the captain Bruno Fernandes, who was substituted after the game, criticized the coach's tactics, and called this approach a “No Go”. He also blamed the entire squad for the 1-4 result and spoke of a refusal to work by the professionals.
Fernandes, who has been going through a slump for weeks, said after the defeat that United does not play a man‑to‑man press and gives the opponent too much space. The Portuguese midfielder emphasized that the team must act more boldly to compete against high‑calibre opponents. He added that the tactical direction of the coaching staff does not improve the current situation.
Premier League and coaching crisis
In the Premier League, the record champion currently sits in 13th place, a clear drop compared to expectations. Coach Michael Carrick, who signed a contract until 2028 in the summer, has been under growing pressure since his appointment as interim manager. Carrick had led United into the Champions League last season before the current crisis set in.
Carrick refuses to confirm whether Fernandes remains captain at United
Hamann placed the full responsibility for the dire situation on Carrick and emphasized that stars like Fernandes or Lisandro Martínez take the criticism too lightly. He explained that the responsibility ultimately lies with the head coach, who sets the tactical direction. Since the start of the season, United have not shown convincing performances in the Premier League, Hamann added.
The columnist predicted that as early as next weekend a new manager could take over the bench. This could mean the coaching role for the 45‑year‑old Carrick would be definitively over.
The next league match takes place on Sunday at 15:00 at the home stadium against AFC Bournemouth. Who will be on the sidelines remains unclear, as the decision of those in charge is still pending. A possible appearance by Carrick could mark the last of his career at United.
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Given the limited time, it is not expected that the club's management will intervene. Consequently, the game against the Cherries could become the final match for the manager.