Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under mounting pressure following Wednesday's humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, with the Red Devils producing another dismal performance in Italy.

United had shown signs of improvement against Leeds United in their previous outing, but that progress was nowhere to be seen as Cesc Fabregas' side comfortably outplayed their Premier League opponents.

The result has raised further questions about Carrick's future at Old Trafford, with United struggling to find any consistency during a difficult start to the season.

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov was particularly scathing in his assessment of the performance, suggesting the Italian outfit had completely outclassed Carrick's players.

Dimitar Berbatov slams Man Utd after Como humiliation

"It was a terrible, terrible night," Berbatov told TNT Sports.

"A terrible game for United, nothing was happening, and Como outplayed them in every way possible.

"From the goals, from taking the ball, the possession, the confidence. Everything was there for Como."

Berbatov was particularly unimpressed by United's defending for Nico Paz's opening goal, suggesting the gulf in quality between the two sides was alarming.

"It was like they were playing a second team," he added. "Look at the first goal, the confidence on the ball, the time on the ball."

The Bulgarian also questioned whether United's players had shown sufficient commitment, describing the contest as a mismatch.

"Today it didn't look like everyone was giving their best on the pitch. Como looked like they were just having fun. It looked like men against kids."

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle echoed those concerns, insisting the United squad must take responsibility for such a disappointing result.

"It's sad to see United play like that, it really is," Hoddle explained on TNT Sports. "United have got to look themselves in the mirror tonight, they really have. Every player, and they've got to go again at some stage."

With Bournemouth visiting Old Trafford this weekend, Carrick could now consider sweeping changes to his starting XI in an attempt to spark a response, and Hoddle suggested that captain Bruno Fernandes would have a particularly important role to play in lifting the squad's morale alongside his manager.

"The captain, Fernandes, and the manager, have got to be really strong, and keep that spirit as high as they can," he said.

However, the skipper has subsequently found himself at the centre of controversy after questioning United's tactical approach following the defeat.

Jamie Carragher blasts Bruno Fernandes for 'awful attitude' at Man Utd

Following the defeat, Fernandes questioned United's decision not to press Como man-to-man, prompting a response from Carrick, who insisted that his players needed to work harder defensively.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was furious with the United captain's comments, accusing him of undermining a manager who had helped revive his career last season.

"For Bruno Fernandes to do that, it is a disgrace," Carragher told CBS Sports. "Last season he was Player of the Year. That was due to Michael Carrick coming in as manager. He wouldn't have got that award without Carrick. He put him back in his right position."

Carragher then identified what he believes is a fundamental problem with Fernandes' approach to pressing, arguing that the Portuguese midfielder has actually been damaging United's defensive organisation.

The former England international also questioned Fernandes' suitability for the captaincy, comparing his conduct with that of United legend Bryan Robson.

"He never threw a manager or the players under the bus. He kept fighting for Man Utd," Carragher said of Robson.

"Watching him [Bruno] play every week, throwing his arms up at players constantly, it is a disgrace that he has called out the manager considering how he has performed this season on the pitch. Awful attitude and not what a Manchester United captain should be."

Carragher also supported Carrick's decision to substitute Fernandes, adding: "I am delighted he brought him off and delighted he had a pop back at him."

Michael Carrick expected to remain in charge against Bournemouth

Despite the growing pressure surrounding his position, reports suggest Carrick is expected to remain in charge for United's Premier League encounter with Bournemouth this weekend.

The former midfielder offered a heartfelt apology to the travelling supporters following Wednesday's defeat, acknowledging that his side's performance had fallen well below the required standard.

"I can only apologise and this game was unacceptable," Carrick admitted.

"I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters, they're the heartbeat and always will be. All the travel.. so I can only apologise to them. No excuses at all from me."

With United desperate for a response, the Bournemouth fixture could prove crucial for Carrick as he attempts to restore confidence in his players and ease the mounting pressure at Old Trafford.