Manchester United: tensions between Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick after defeat to Como

21.10.26 FT Champions League

Como

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Manchester United

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Manchester United’s defeat to Como (4-1) on Wednesday, October 21, in the Champions League led to a tense exchange between Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick. The Manchester captain questioned the staff’s tactical choices, while the manager stressed his players’ lack of commitment.

Manchester United endured a nightmare evening in Italy. Beaten 4-1 by Como, the Red Devils conceded four goals and did not find the back of the net until late in the match, through Joshua Zirkzee. Nico Paz, who scored twice, notably contributed to the Italians’ victory.

After the final whistle, Bruno Fernandes made no secret of his reservations about the strategy adopted by his team. The Portuguese midfielder notably criticised the decision not to man-mark Como’s players when pressing.

“It’s a decision by the staff not to press one-on-one and sometimes to leave space behind in an attempt to win the ball back,” he explained to TNT Sports.

For the Manchester captain, this approach allowed the opposition to grow in confidence and develop their play. He believes Manchester United should have applied more intense pressure to disrupt the build-up of the Italians’ attacks.

Asked about the staff’s responsibility for this strategy, Fernandes referred the question to his manager:

“That’s for the manager and the staff to look at, not me.”

He then defended the need to take more risks by pressing higher up the pitch to make things difficult for Como.

Carrick questions the players’ commitment

Having been informed of his captain’s comments, Michael Carrick responded at a press conference. The English manager recalled that tactical choices could not explain everything and pointed to his team’s lack of intensity.

“Whatever the system or tactical choices, if you don’t run forward and you don’t get back to defend, you won’t win,” he said.

Carrick also deemed Manchester United’s performance unacceptable. He accepted responsibility for the defeat, while criticising his players for failing to show the intensity and determination required.

The two men therefore offered different interpretations of this defeat: Fernandes focused on the staff’s tactical choices, while Carrick emphasised the team’s collective commitment.

This defeat extends Manchester United’s winless run to seven matches in all competitions. Under pressure, Carrick will need to quickly find solutions to revive his team.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

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

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