Sportsupdated 1h ago2 min read
Bruno Fernandes Blames Michael Carrick Setup After Manchester United’s 4-1 Como Defeat
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Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick's tactics after 4-1 defeat to Como. Team failed to press and played with a 'mood of defeat'.
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Como rout sparks barbs
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes blamed Michael Carrick’s coaching setup after United suffered a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como, saying, "We started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early," and adding that there was "not enough pressure on the ball." Fernandes said the staff chose not to press man-to-man, and he argued that the approach left space behind, telling TNT Sports, "It’s a decision from the [coaching] staff not to press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind."
Como opened the scoring in the second minute, and United collapsed before Joshua Zirkzee scored a stoppage-time consolation goal to make the scoreline less severe. Carrick responded by saying United failed to bring the required intensity, telling TNT Sports, "We didn’t bring that today," and he said, "I’ve got to apologise for the performance."
Apologies, tactics, and pressure
Carrick apologised to the 700 travelling fans and, after the final whistle, he ignored his beaten players to march across the pitch and repeatedly hold his hands up, in a manner similar to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a 4-1 defeat at Watford in November 2021. Fernandes pressed his case after the match, telling TNT Sports that, "That’s on the manager and staff to see, not me," and he said United needed to be "more brave under pressure" by taking the risk of pressing high.
Carrick offered a curt reply when asked about his future, saying, "There's a little bit of whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you aren't going to win." The Guardian said Carrick’s future was in the balance before Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford, and it quoted Carrick insisting, "Listen, I’ve not given my own position any thought," as he focused on the supporters.
Next match, mounting fallout
United’s loss at Como left them winless in seven matches across all competitions, and the BBC said the defeat extended their winless run to seven matches while Carrick apologised to supporters. The Guardian said the defeat in the third Champions League group game left United with only two wins all season from 11 games, and it placed United in 13th in the Premier League ahead of Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports said United had an uphill battle to make it out of the league phase in the Champions League with just three points from their first three games, and it described the immediate need for a better performance and win at home to Bournemouth on Sunday. Carrick told TNT Sports, "I’m really angry but you've got to move on and deal with what's next," and he said, "At this moment in time, there's a lot to do before that next game to get the team ready."