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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes openly criticised manager Michael Carrick‘s tactical approach after the team’s crushing 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, marking their seventh consecutive match without a win.
The setback began early when Nico Paz scored in the second minute, setting the tone for a difficult evening for the visitors. Fernandes described the early concession as a decisive blow that affected the squad’s mentality throughout the match.
“We started on the wrong foot and they scored very early,” Fernandes explained. “Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way.”
Struggles on Both Ends of the Pitch
As the game progressed, Como capitalised further with a second goal from Paz and a third from Tasos Douvikas, followed by a fourth from Jacobo Ramon, leaving United overwhelmed and unable to regain control.
Despite a late consolation goal by Joshua Zirkzee during stoppage time, the result equalled United’s joint-heaviest defeat in the Champions League.
Fernandes reflected on how conceding so early shaped the team’s mindset, saying, “Conceding early makes us go into the game with a mood of defeat. It’s difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen.”
He also pointed to United’s lack of intensity without possession, suggesting that Como were given too much freedom to orchestrate play, which ultimately dictated the flow of the match.
When questioned about whether his remarks were a direct critique of Carrick’s tactics, Fernandes implied dissatisfaction with the strategic approach but did not elaborate further.
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