Bruno Fernandes turns on Michael Carrick after Como defeat

According to a report by Football Transfers on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has questioned Michael Carrick’s tactical decisions following the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Red Devils endured a disappointing evening against the Italian side, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring a late consolation goal that did little to change the outcome. The result has increased the pressure on Carrick, who is facing growing criticism over United’s performances this season.

Fernandes, who was substituted for Zirkzee in the 65th minute, appeared frustrated as he left the pitch. After the match, the Portuguese midfielder openly discussed the team’s tactical approach and suggested that United’s pressing strategy contributed to their problems.

The 32-year-old explained that United struggled to put Como under sufficient pressure, allowing their opponents to enjoy possession and build confidence throughout the game.

“Obviously, it’s not the first time,” Fernandes said, reflecting on United’s poor start to the match.

He added that conceding an early goal made the situation more difficult, leaving the players struggling to recover and produce the level of performance required.

When asked about United’s lack of cohesion when pressing, Fernandes placed responsibility on the coaching staff.

“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave a little bit of space in behind and try to get the ball in the first moment, to wait for them, to give them the ball,” he said.

The United captain warned that allowing technically gifted teams too much time on the ball could make life difficult for his side, particularly when opponents use possession to create spaces and force United’s players to chase the game.

Fernandes also insisted that United needed to be braver under pressure and apply a more aggressive press, similar to the approach Como used against them.

Asked whether Carrick had got his tactics wrong, Fernandes responded: “That’s on the manager and on the staff to see, it is not on me.”

His comments have intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s decisions, with United struggling to find consistency under the former midfielder.

However, Carrick accepted responsibility for the disappointing performance, admitting that his team had failed to meet the standards expected of Manchester United.

“It was more than disappointing,” the manager said. “I’ll take responsibility for the overall team and performance. It stops with me, and I’m fine with that.”

Carrick also criticised his team’s lack of motivation, purpose and intensity, stressing that players must give everything regardless of the circumstances.

The 45-year-old apologised to the travelling supporters, acknowledging that their commitment deserved a much better performance.

The defeat to Como has raised further questions about United’s direction, with concerns extending beyond the manager’s tactical decisions to the club’s wider problems.

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