Michael Carrick absent from Carrington after Como defeat as United granted day off

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick did not arrive at Carrington Training Ground at his usual 7:30 am time on October 22, 2026, the morning after the club’s UEFA Champions League tie with Como 1907, and the squad were given a day off.

Samuel Luckhurst reported on X that Carrick frequently allows players time off immediately after matchdays and that there was no sign of him at Carrington on the morning of October 22; some players and staff attempted to avoid photographers at Manchester Airport while Carrick did not.

United suffered a 4-1 defeat in Como, a result that left Carrick, in his own words, "angry" and which the club say has caused divisions within the squad, with captain Bruno Fernandes publicly blasting the tactical scheme.

The defeat extended Manchester United’s run to seven games without a win in all competitions; the club have recorded only two victories across all competitions this term and are reported to have made their worst ever start to a Premier League season, sitting 13th in the table.

Transfer activity this summer saw United spend £163m — reportedly less than promoted duo Hull City and Ipswich Town and seven other Premier League teams — with the midfield described as addressed while left-back and centre-forward positions were not reinforced.

Manchester United’s next fixture is a Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, October 25, 2026; reports suggest that result will be crucial for Carrick’s near-term future. It has not been confirmed yet.