Manchester United’s winless streak continues with a 4-1 Champions League humiliation at Como, and Bruno Fernandes criticizes the tactics.
Published on October 21, 2026
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said his side failed to apply enough pressure and adopted a “defeating mindset” after conceding early in Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como, a result which increased scrutiny of manager Michael Carrick.
Como opened the scoring in the second minute, and United collapsed, with only a consolation goal from Joshua Zirkzee in stoppage time making the scoreline slightly less severe.
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“We started on the wrong foot and they scored very early,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. “There wasn’t enough pressure on the ball and not a lot of good movement with the ball. There were a lot of things not going our way.
“It’s a decision by the (coaching) staff to not put pressure man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball back, wait for them, but sometimes when you give these teams space they gain confidence,” he said.
Asked if his comments were a criticism of Carrick’s tactics, Fernandes replied: “That’s for the manager and staff to see, not me.
“Sometimes you have to be braver under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable.”
Carrick is under increasing pressure with United now without a win in seven matches.
“It was beyond disappointing,” the 45-year-old manager told TNT Sports. “I think everyone has to take responsibility for it. I will take responsibility for the team as a whole and its performance; that’s up to me, and that’s fine with me.
“But as a supporter of this football club, seeing such a performance is unacceptable, I have to say.”
Carrick said his team failed to show the required intensity.
“It’s the motivation, the goal and the intensity of a football match that you have to bring. We didn’t bring that today,” he said. “I must apologize for the performance.”
Fernandes also questioned United’s mentality after the opening setback.
“Conceding early makes us go into the game feeling defeated,” he said.
United have three points from their first three Champions League matches and will host AS Roma in their next match in the competition.
Gn sports
