Man Utd's crisis as Fernandes slams football after JavaScript video
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese Red, criticised Michael Carrick’s tactics after United were humbled by a four‑goal Champions League loss to Como, saying they ‘started off on the wrong foot’. The video of the post‑match interview cannot be played without JavaScript, in a football context.
Fernandes' tactical concerns
Fernandes warned, “They scored very early, [we had] not much pressure on the ball. It’s a decision from the staff to not press man‑to‑man and sometimes leave some space behind, to try and get the ball in the first moment.” He added that giving the opposition too much possession “makes you run a lot, people get frustrated”.
The Portuguese midfielder argued that United’s reluctance to press high allows opponents to build confidence, noting that “they have so many bodies behind the ball”. His comments suggest a desire for a more aggressive, immediate press.
Carrick's defensive shape
Since Michael Carrick took charge in January, United have mostly deployed a zonal 4‑2‑4 or 4‑4‑2 that only springs into a press at moments. Holding the 4‑2‑4 a little deeper, the side gives opposition defenders time and space, hoping to set traps before pouncing.
The idea is to keep four players narrow and high so that United’s attackers can exploit turnovers. The shape was evident in the first half against Como, as shown in the match footage.
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During Carrick’s caretaker spell last season the system produced results, notably when Bryan Mbeumo scored the equaliser in United’s 3‑2 win at Arsenal in January. United did not press Arsenal man‑to‑man but recognised the right moment to press, turning a two‑against‑two duel into a goal‑scoring chance.
Wider tactical landscape
Defender Lisandro Martinez, speaking after a 2‑0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, warned, “You can’t stay with what you did last season. Teams know you, how you play, know every detail, and if you don’t change, next season is a big problem.”
Last season’s 4‑2‑4 caught many sides off guard. Pep Guardiola and Pep Lijnders used a similar shape at Manchester City, underpinning their Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal. After Guardiola’s departure, Enzo Maresca tried the same in the Community Shield but soon reverted to a man‑to‑man approach.
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Arsenal later created clever overloads around City’s 4‑2‑4 in wide areas, and City themselves adopted a tighter, man‑to‑man style against PSG, with defender William Guehi stepping out to track his opponent.
AC Milan, now managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim, have repeatedly exploited the 4‑2‑4, outnumbering United’s front four with a back five. Their wing‑back drops deep and wide, forcing United wingers to step out and opening space for Milan’s midfield.