Bruno Fernandes questions Carrick's tactics
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The gist
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said staff chose not to press man-to-man in a 4-1 loss at Como.
It was United's fifth defeat in 11 games, deepening pressure on coach Michael Carrick.
Background
Michael Carrick, 45, is Manchester United's head coach, a former United midfielder in his first season in the permanent role after signing a two-year deal in May following a third-place Premier League finish. United are on a seven-game winless run and have won just twice all season, and the 4-1 defeat at Como — the Italian club's first Champions League season — left them 13th in the Premier League with one win in seven league matches.
How it unfolded
- May 2026Carrick signed a two-year contract after leading United to a third-place Premier League finish.
- Oct 21, 2026United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League, their fifth defeat in 11 games this season and a seventh straight winless match.
- Oct 21, 2026Fernandes, substituted off after 67 minutes, told TNT Sports the staff decided not to press man-to-man and to sometimes leave space behind.
- Oct 21, 2026Carrick responded that United were half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and conceded a goal from that, apologized to travelling supporters and said the performance was not acceptable.
- Oct 21, 2026Asked whether he fears being sacked, Carrick said he had not given his own position any thought.
Who’s saying what
- Captain
- Fernandes said the decision not to press man-to-man came from the staff, that the team had to be more brave under pressure and take the risk of pressing high, and that judging whether Carrick got his tactics wrong is on the manager and staff, not him.
- Coach
- Carrick said United were half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and conceded from that, and that whatever system or tactics you play, if you don't run forward and back you won't win.
Still unverified
Carrick's future is described as in doubt, with speculation around his position and social media calls for a change, but no sacking is confirmed.