Manchester United: Michael Carrick under pressure after debacle against Como

Seven matches without a win, a 4-1 defeat in the Champions League and a public disagreement with Bruno Fernandes: Michael Carrick is going through his most difficult period since taking charge of Manchester United. As the Red Devils struggle to rediscover last season's level, the future of the English manager is now raising questions.

The evening of Wednesday, October 21, left its mark. At Como's stadium, Manchester United collapsed against Cesc Fàbregas' side, unable to match the intensity of their opponents. Nico Paz scored twice, in the 2nd and 57th minutes, while Tasos Douvikas (49th) and Jacobo Ramón (76th) also joined the Italian attacking festival. Joshua Zirkzee salvaged some pride in stoppage time.

The scoreline was heavy, but the manner of the defeat was just as troubling. Manchester United struggled against Como's pressing, made repeated defensive errors and left their opponents too much space. The performance extends a run of seven matches without a win in all competitions and increases the pressure on Carrick.

Last season's Manchester United has disappeared

A few months ago, the narrative surrounding Michael Carrick was very different. During the second half of the previous season, the English manager had managed to revive Manchester United and lead the club to qualification for the Champions League. The results had strengthened his credibility and raised hopes of continuity in both the team's style of play and its performances.

The start of the 2026-2027 campaign changed everything. Manchester United have continued to produce poor performances, struggled to impose their rhythm and shown worrying weaknesses without the ball.

Against Como, the difficulties appeared from the opening minutes. After Nico Paz opened the scoring, the Red Devils never managed to regain control of the match. They conceded a second goal just after the restart, then a third eight minutes later. The fourth definitively sealed their defeat.

The problems are not limited to this match. With only three points after three Champions League matchdays, Manchester United must already respond to preserve their qualification hopes. The winless run mainly exposes a team that is no longer able to correct its mistakes from one match to the next.

Bruno Fernandes challenges Carrick's tactical choices

The defeat against Como also highlighted the differences between the captain and his manager. After the match, Bruno Fernandes directly addressed the staff's instructions regarding pressing. According to the Portuguese midfielder, Manchester United gave Como too much freedom by waiting for the opposition instead of pushing higher up the pitch to win the ball back.

“It is a decision by the staff not to press man-to-man,” the captain explained, before pointing out that some teams grow in confidence when they are given time to build their attacks.

Asked who was responsible for these decisions, Fernandes replied:

“It is for the manager and the staff to look at that, not me.”

Carrick's response was just as direct. The manager acknowledged his team's poor performance while also stressing the players' lack of commitment.

“Whatever system or tactics you use, if you don't run forwards and backwards, you won't win,” he said.

The disagreement was therefore clearly exposed. Fernandes questioned the tactical approach, while Carrick highlighted the team's lack of intensity. These statements alone do not prove that there is a rift in the dressing room, but they illustrate the difficulties of the moment.

Read also: Manchester United: tensions between Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick after defeat against Como

Carrick's future in question

Manchester United's hierarchy cannot ignore such a succession of poor results. According to The Guardian, Carrick's future could be discussed by the club's executives before Sunday's Premier League home match against Bournemouth. However, no official decision regarding his position has been announced in the information available.

The English coach must now find answers quickly. His record from last season gives him some arguments, but the current results are weakening his standing. The defensive problems, the inability to respond to the opposition's pressing and the public criticism from his captain further complicate his situation.

The match against Bournemouth will therefore be closely watched. A victory accompanied by a convincing performance could ease the criticism. Another poor result would intensify questions about Carrick's decisions and his ability to put Manchester United back on the right track.

Is Michael Carrick still the right man for the job? Recent results do not work in his favor. But beyond the heavy defeat against Como, it is the manager's ability to correct the team's collective problems and restore positive momentum that will determine the next chapter of his time at Manchester United.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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