Fernandes questions Man Utd approach after 4-1 Champions League loss to Como
Bruno Fernandes criticised Manchester United’s tactical approach after Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, arguing the team began “on the wrong foot” and pointing to a decision by the coaching staff to avoid an immediate man-to-man press.
Since Michael Carrick took charge in January, United have often defended in a zonal 4-2-4 or 4-4-2 shape that springs into a press at chosen moments, a system Fernandes said involves “not press[ing] man-to-man and sometimes leav[ing] some space behind, to try and get the ball in the first moment [by] waiting for them, [giving] them the ball.” The intention, as described in club analysis, is to keep four attackers narrow and high so they can pounce on turnovers, but Fernandes warned that giving possession to opposing sides can build their confidence and “make you run a lot, people get frustrated.”
There have been occasions when Carrick’s approach produced positive outcomes: the piece cites a match two weeks after Carrick took over in January when Bryan Mbeumo scored in United’s 3-2 win at Arsenal, a game in which United did not press Arsenal man-to-man yet “found joy” by recognising the right moments to press and converting a two-against-two into a goal. However, the analysis notes the system’s effectiveness has waned this season.
Lisandro Martinez, after United’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, voiced concerns about recruitment and adaptability, saying: “You can't stay with what you did last season. Teams know you, how you play, know every detail, and if you don't change, next season is a big problem.” The article compares how other managers and teams have modified or abandoned the 4-2-4; Pep Guardiola and Pep Lijnders used the shape at Manchester City, while Enzo Maresca redeployed it for the Community Shield in August only for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to find solutions and win.
AC Milan, described as now managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim in the source, are cited as repeatedly exploiting United’s 4-2-4 by using a back five that could outnumber United’s front four and create exits via a wide wing-back, forcing United full-backs to cover long distances. Atletico Madrid’s use of a back four is presented similarly: splitting centre-backs into wide positions drew United wingers out, leaving Alejandro Grimaldo space that required Diogo Dalot or, if pinned back by Alex Baena, Youri Tielemans to cover large distances to attempt pressure.
The article examines Como’s second goal as an example of the risks of a half man-to-man approach: after United shifted to a more man-oriented defence in the second half, Como’s midfielder rolled Kobbie Mainoo and found an attacking midfielder, Mazraoui was slow to react, allowing an attack through the middle and leaving United two against two at the back, which Como turned into their second goal. Carrick defended the team’s actions afterwards, saying: "We actually half-pressed, man-to-man in the second half and then ended up conceding a goal from that," and added, "It's a little bit on whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, but if you don't run and you don't run forward and you don't run back, you aren't going to win."
The piece also addresses a perceived mismatch between Fernandes’s view and the coaching message, noting Fernandes’s call for greater risk: "Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure," and, "Take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable." It contrasts that call with the argument that Carrick’s 4-2-4 can provide a numerical advantage in defence and aims to funnel attacks down flanks rather than through the middle, while pointing to fitness and intensity issues that have hampered sustained man-to-man pressing this season.
The analysis concludes that both Fernandes and Carrick have raised valid points and, as stated in the source, "if United are to win regularly, any solution this season is likely to lie somewhere in between their views." The exchange has prompted debate, with coverage including the lines "Not what a captain should be" and "Major uncertainty' but Carrick 'carrying on as normal' despite latest Man Utd defeat."
