Seven Games Without a Win: Bruno Fernandes Speaks Out After Man Utd's Como Shock

Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League. After the game, captain Bruno Fernandes spoke about the team’s tactics. His words have put manager Michael Carrick under more pressure.

A very bad night in Italy

United went to Italy hoping to win their first game since 10 September. Instead, Como played much better. Nico Paz scored in the first two minutes, and United had no answer for most of the game. Como passed the ball with ease, and United looked slow and low on energy.

What did Bruno Fernandes say?

Fernandes told TNT Sports that this was not the first time United played like this. He said the team started badly, because Como scored very early. He also said United did not press the ball enough and did not do well when they did not have it.

He pointed to the team’s plan. United did not mark Como players man-to-man. They left some space behind and often let Como have the ball. Fernandes said this can be a problem. When a strong team has the ball for too long, it gets confident. Then United players run a lot, become tired and frustrated, and find it hard to attack when they win the ball back.

A reporter asked if Carrick’s tactics cost the team. Fernandes said that is for the manager and staff to answer. He said he only believes United must be braver, press higher and make the other team feel uncomfortable.

What did Michael Carrick say?

Carrick spoke to TNT Sports and took the blame. He said he takes full responsibility for the team and the performance. He said it stops with him.

But he was also hard on his players. He said the performance was not acceptable. He said the team did not bring enough energy, purpose and intensity. He said players cannot switch their effort on and off, and there are no excuses.

Some reports also say that Carrick said sorry to the fans. He said the supporters are the heartbeat of the club.

Is Carrick in danger?

Carrick did not clearly answer a question about whether the club still backs him. Pundits were quick to give their view.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said on CBS Sports that the result and the performance are so bad that it could have serious results for the manager. He said it looks like another United manager may lose his job.

When asked who is to blame, Carragher said the problems at United go much deeper. He asked if it is the owners, the manager, the signings or the players. He said nobody seems to get it right.

Carrick became the permanent manager after United finished third last season. But this season has been much harder. United have won only two of their 11 games in all competitions. They have gone seven games without a win. One report says this is their worst run since December 2015.

Problems in the dressing room?

Some reports say there is a split between players and the staff. They say Lisandro Martinez was recently fined for a public comment that United do not have the level to compete in Europe. Fernandes was also taken off in the 67th minute, and cameras showed him unhappy with the way the game was going.

Not every report says the same thing. For example, some websites give a stronger quote from Fernandes than the one he gave on TNT Sports. Because of this, it is best to wait for the club’s own words.