Bruno Fernandes targets Carrick after Como defeat

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes openly criticised head coach Michael Carrick after the 4-1 Champions League defeat away at Como.

In the match in Lombardy, United fell behind to goals from Nico Paz, Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon. Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back in stoppage time. The Red Devils have lost their last two matches in the league phase. Across all competitions, the team has only managed to beat Sabah and Premier League-bound Ipswich Town.

Carrick had taken the team into the Champions League after Ruben Amorim left at the start of the year, and he was made permanent in the role. However, calls for patience are weakening with every bad result.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Fernandes said the decision not to press the opponent man for man came from the coaching staff. He explained that they left space behind and tried to win the ball, but that teams like this grow in confidence when they are given too much of the ball. Asked directly whether the tactical approach was wrong, the captain said this was a matter for the head coach and his team, not for him. Fernandes also added that they need to be braver under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and disturb the opponent.