Kenya’s KCA University has humorously urged its students to reconsider supporting Manchester United, citing concerns over their mental health, sleep patterns and general happiness.

In a notice dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and addressed to all KCA University students, the institution advised fans of the English Premier League club to rethink their allegiance with immediate effect, warning of the emotional toll associated with supporting the team.

The light-hearted memo, issued under the heading “Supporting Manchester United & Wearing Their Jersey”, highlighted the potential for disappointment among supporters, particularly after weekend matches.

“This light-hearted advisory aims to protect students from unnecessary emotional damage, weekend disappointments and Monday-morning heartbreaks,” the notice stated.

The university also reminded students that they already had enough academic responsibilities to deal with, including Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), assignments, graduation clearance and deadlines.

“Adding Manchester United to the list is highly discouraged!” the memo added, accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Instead of backing the Old Trafford outfit, students were encouraged to rally behind their university teams, which the notice claimed perform better than Manchester United.

“Let’s support our university teams… they perform better than Man U!” the notice read.

The message further urged students to prioritise their mental well-being, peace of mind and academic success, encouraging them to choose what works for them.

“Choose joy. Choose KCAU. Choose what works!” it stated.

Although the memo was clearly presented in a humorous tone, its message played on Manchester United’s struggles and the frustrations often experienced by their supporters.

The notice quickly offered a playful take on the relationship between football fandom and emotional well-being, using the club’s name to encourage students to focus on their studies while supporting their university’s sporting teams.

However, the document identifies its sender as the “Office of the University (Unofficial)”, meaning it should not be treated as an official university directive without further confirmation.

Man United tribulations

Manchester United’s problems have intensified following their humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday night, October 21, 2026.

Shortly after the fixture, Man United captain Bruno Fernandes voiced his concerns about United’s game plan, openly questioning the decision to avoid applying man-to-man pressure against their Italian opponents.

The Portuguese midfielder said: “It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence.

“It’s not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early. Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way.

“Conceding early makes us go into 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. If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation.”

His remarks followed similar criticism from defender Lisandro Martinez, who had questioned the club’s recruitment strategy and the decisions made by the Old Trafford leadership after last week’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The latest developments have intensified scrutiny of the team, with concerns growing over whether disagreements between players and the coaching staff could undermine United’s efforts to recover from their poor run.

Carrick challenges players over their commitment

Carrick responded to Fernandes’ comments by defending his approach while questioning the effort displayed by some of his players against Como.

The former United midfielder acknowledged that the performance had fallen below the standards expected at the club and expressed sympathy for supporters who witnessed the heavy defeat.

“We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight, I wouldn’t say everyone, but the way we went about it in some ways tonight wasn’t acceptable.

“And I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure. It wasn’t just the goals, if I’m totally honest. It was the manner and the way we played at times, in the way we went about it, that was the difficult thing to watch for me.

“We actually half-pressed man-to-man the second half and then conceded a goal from that. And there’s a little bit on 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 ain’t going to win.”

Carrick’s response suggested that he believed the team’s difficulties went beyond tactical shortcomings, pointing instead to a lack of work rate and commitment in crucial moments.

The defeat to Como has therefore raised questions on several fronts, from the manager’s tactical decisions to the players’ performances and the apparent tensions within the squad.