Fernandes targets the coaching staff, Carrick criticizes the players

Manchester United lost 4-1 away to Como in the Champions League. After the match, Bruno Fernandes criticized the coaching staff's plan, while Michael Carrick raised the issue of his players' motivation and tempo. The Red Devils have now gone seven matches without a win in all competitions.

Fernandes answered a question from TNT Sports about the lack of cohesion out of possession. While defending his teammates, the captain placed the responsibility on Carrick and his assistants. According to Fernandes, not pressing man to man, leaving some space behind and waiting for the opponent was the coaching staff's decision.

The captain said that teams like this gain confidence when they are given too much of the ball. Como made 594 passes. That figure was the highest for any team in a Champions League match against Manchester United since the 725 passes Barcelona made in April 2019. Fernandes said that when they won the ball back, their legs and minds were no longer working at the same speed.

When asked whether the tactical idea played a part in the defeat, Fernandes said it was up to the manager and the staff to see that. He added that he personally thinks the pressing should be higher and braver, and that they should take risks and make things uncomfortable for the opponent.

After the defeat to Atletico Madrid, Lisandro Martinez had also criticized the club's management, targeting Jason Wilcox over the shortcomings in the transfer window.