Fernandes' reaction showed United's unending problem once again

Bruno Fernandes criticized Michael Carrick's game plan in front of television cameras after the match against Como. The captain said that giving Nico Paz, Martin Baturina and Jacobo Ramon time and space to pass the ball would give the opponent confidence. He may have been right in that assessment, but voicing the criticism publicly drew a backlash.

Images from the pitch also caused debate. Before the first 26 minutes were up, Fernandes failed to control a pass from Mason Mount, and when the ball went to the opponent he threw his hands in the air. In the following minutes he was seen looking in another direction instead of tracking back, and at one point he was fiddling with his boots.

After the match Carrick said: "Whatever system, whatever tactic you play, if you don't run, if you don't run forwards and backwards, you can't win." Carrick is for now in his job and will face the press again before hosting Bournemouth on Sunday.

The common thread among the eight managers who have taken charge of United since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure is that, at some point, the players turned against them. A similar picture emerged two years ago between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag. According to CBS Sports sources, if United make a change in management, Antonio Conte is open to talks.