Bruno Fernandes reacts to tactics after Como defeat

Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia. For the home side, Nico Paz scored twice, and Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also got on the scoresheet. As in their previous Champions League match, a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, United conceded again in the first five minutes.

Captain Bruno Fernandes looked angry as he was taken off. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, the Portuguese player said the substitution was the coaching staff's decision. His comments were interpreted as criticism of head coach Michael Carrick's tactics.

Fernandes said the team had started the match badly again. He explained that there was not enough pressure on the ball, the movement on the ball was poor, and the early goal put the players in a losing mindset. He added that they needed to play more bravely to get out of that situation.

Fernandes said that not defending one-on-one and leaving space behind was the coaching staff's choice, and argued that when teams like this are given space, their confidence grows. When asked whether Carrick had got it wrong, he said it was not for him to judge, but for the head coach and his staff.

Fernandes said that when an opponent who plays short passes through the middle is given too much time and space, damage can be done on the wings, and he stressed that the risk of pressing high should be taken. He gave as an example Como's centre-back stepping out to mark him in his own half.