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According to a report by Manchester Evening News on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Youri Tielemans has raised concerns about Manchester United's performances after suggesting that a lack of effort, alongside tactical and technical problems, contributed to their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
Manchester United endured a difficult evening on Wednesday as they were comfortably beaten by the Italian side, leaving head coach Michael Carrick facing increased pressure following another disappointing result.
The defeat has intensified concerns about United's form, with the club struggling to produce consistent performances this season. Their problems were evident against Como, who dominated large periods of the contest and exposed several weaknesses in the English side.
Tielemans attempted to explain United's disappointing display during a post-match interview with TNT Sports, admitting that the team had struggled in almost every aspect of the game.
"There was a lot said at half-time to try and get back into the game, which didn't happen," he said.
"We conceded straight away after half-time, and then you try to do something, and we get outplayed. We got outplayed for most of the game, so it was a very disappointing night."
Asked what had gone wrong, Tielemans pointed to a combination of problems rather than blaming a single factor.
"It's everything. You can be good tactically but if the effort isn't there, or the other way round, you have to be good at everything, but tonight we were poor at everything," he explained.
The Belgian midfielder's comments about effort are particularly significant, as they raise questions about the commitment and application of Manchester United's players during a difficult period for the club.
Tielemans also suggested that the squad had repeatedly discussed the need to improve but had failed to demonstrate the required changes during matches.
"It's the same message as we've had the last few weeks. We can be here and talk about it, but we have to show it on the pitch," he said.
The midfielder acknowledged the disappointment experienced by United supporters, apologising to those who travelled to Italy and those who watched the match from home.
He insisted that the players understood the frustration surrounding their performances but recognised that words alone would not be enough to change the situation.
"The only thing we can do is try to show something on the pitch, which we haven't done over the last few weeks," Tielemans added.
His assessment comes at a difficult time for Carrick, whose position has come under increasing scrutiny following United's disappointing run of results.
The 4-1 defeat to Como exposed the team's defensive weaknesses and inability to respond effectively when placed under pressure. United went into half-time trailing 1-0, but their performance deteriorated further after the break as Como scored three more times before Joshua Zirkzee netted a late consolation.
Carrick made changes at half-time in an attempt to improve the situation, but they failed to produce the desired response.