Michael Carrick apologised to Manchester United fans after their heavy defeat to Como in the Europa League, but walked straight down the tunnel without acknowledging his players

Michael Carrick showed his true colours after Manchester United were embarrassed by Como 1907. The Red Devils were utterly dismantled in the pouring northern Italian rain, and on the shores of Lake Como, Carrick's reign continues its downward spiral.

While he did issue an apology to the travelling supporters following the hammering, his behaviour - or lack of it - towards his squad said everything.

Moments after raising his hands apologetically to the away end at Como's Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, the United gaffer spun round and scarpered. He marched straight down the tunnel, tellingly showing no recognition or gratitude to his players, looking every inch a man whose days are numbered.

They were thoroughly outclassed by the Champions League newcomers. Nico Paz broke the deadlock before half-time, and despite second-half substitutions, United remained at the mercy of their Italian rivals.

Three more goals followed for the home side after the break, and while Joshua Zirkzee grabbed a late consolation, it was far too little, too late. United have now managed just two victories from 11 games this season, and if the alarm bells weren't ringing before, they're deafening now, reports the Express.

When quizzed about his gesture to the supporters, Carrick said: "I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters. They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be.

"For them to travel, I had to apologise for the performance. To have to watch a performance like that, I totally feel for them. There are no excuses at all. It is not acceptable."

After navigating potential trouble last weekend with Lisandro Martinez's remarks about the club's transfer policy, Carrick - assuming he keeps his job - now faces dealing with the aftermath of Bruno Fernandes' public comments.

Speaking to TNT Sports, 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... That (whether Carrick and the staff got their tactics wrong)'s on the manager and staff to see, not me."