According to a report by Metro on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Michael Carrick has hit back at Bruno Fernandes’ criticism of Manchester United’s tactical approach after their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League.

The Red Devils suffered a heavy loss at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on Wednesday, with Nico Paz scoring twice before Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon added further goals for the Italian side. Joshua Zirkzee scored United’s only goal late in the match.

Fernandes questioned the team’s decision to avoid pressing opponents aggressively, arguing that allowing Como to dominate possession gave them confidence and forced United’s players to expend too much energy chasing the ball.

The United captain explained that his teammates sometimes struggled to make the right decisions after recovering possession because of the physical and mental demands of defending for extended periods.

When asked whether Carrick and his coaching staff had made the wrong tactical decisions, Fernandes said that assessment was the responsibility of the manager and his assistants. He added that United sometimes needed to take greater risks by pressing higher up the pitch and putting opponents under pressure.

Carrick, however, directed his criticism towards the players’ performance, insisting that commitment and work rate were essential regardless of the tactical system employed.

The Manchester United manager admitted that he was bitterly disappointed, frustrated and really angry with what he witnessed against Como, particularly the manner in which his team approached the contest.

He also pointed out that United attempted to press Como man-to-man during the second half but still conceded a goal after making the adjustment. Carrick maintained that players must be willing to run forward and track back if the team is to compete effectively.

The defeat was another setback in a difficult campaign for United, who have won just one of their opening seven Premier League matches under Carrick.

The manager also apologised to the travelling supporters, expressing his disappointment with the performance and acknowledging that the manner of the defeat was particularly difficult to accept.

Asked whether his players were still giving their best for him, Carrick said the issue was not about playing for him personally but about fulfilling their responsibilities to Manchester United and its supporters. He insisted that he was giving everything to the club but admitted that he was unhappy with what he saw from some of his players.

Carrick now faces mounting pressure ahead of United’s Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday, with his team needing a positive response after their Champions League defeat in Italy.