Fernandes criticises coaching after Manchester United's 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como
On October 22, 2026, Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in a Champions League match, and captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the coaching staff's pressing strategy in a post-match interview, intensifying scrutiny on manager Michael Carrick.
United fell behind inside two minutes when Nico Paz opened the scoring (2'), and Como added three more goals — Douvikas (49'), Paz again (57') and Ramon (76') — before Joshua Zirkzee scored a 91st-minute consolation for the visitors. The result and the manner of the defeat left the focus on both on-field problems and the aftermath in the dressing room.
After the match, Fernandes criticised the coaching staff's approach in comments to TNT Sports. "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence," he said. When asked directly whether Carrick had got his tactics wrong, Fernandes added: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."
Carrick responded to Fernandes' criticism by emphasising the players' responsibilities on the pitch. "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 United head coach said, stressing work rate alongside tactical questions.
This was the second straight Champions League fixture after which a United player's interview provoked controversy. Following their 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last week, Lisandro Martinez publicly questioned the club's summer recruitment and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox, saying he expected more from the people in charge; Martinez later apologised for the way he expressed his frustration after holding talks with the club's leadership.
The defeat has put Michael Carrick under renewed pressure, with Manchester United now seven games without a win in all competitions. The former midfielder guided the club back into the Champions League last season and was rewarded with a two-year contract, but the team's performances have deteriorated sharply in the new campaign.
Carrick accepted responsibility for the overall performance and apologised to supporters after the loss. "It was more than disappointing. I think everybody's got to take responsibility for that. I'll take responsibility for the overall team and performance, it stops with me and I'm fine with that," he said. "I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters. They're the heartbeat of this football club and always will be. I've got to apologise for the performance. Everything they've done to get here tonight, for them to watch that performance tonight, I feel for them." Asked whether he was worried about losing his job, he said: "Listen, I've not given my own position any thought. It is the supporters. I was one of them tonight watching that and I wasn't happy at all."
United are 13th in the Premier League and face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday; with results continuing to go against them, Carrick needs a response from his players quickly.
