Fernandes and Carrick Disagree on Tactics After 4-1 Loss to Como

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and coach Michael Carrick seemed to have different views on the team's tactics after a heavy 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

This loss raised new questions about Carrick's future as the United boss. Fans who traveled to watch the game were left frustrated by the poor performance.

Carrick apologized to the 700 Manchester United fans who made the trip. After the final whistle, he crossed the pitch and raised his hands towards the supporters, which caught people's attention.

His gesture reminded many of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reaction after United lost 4-1 to Watford in November 2021. That defeat led to Solskjaer being sacked the next day.

But it was Fernandes’ comments after the match that put more focus on his relationship with Carrick. Speaking to TNT Sports on Wednesday, Fernandes questioned why the team did not press Como more aggressively. He believed this allowed Como to gain confidence and control the match.

“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence,” Fernandes said.

When asked if Carrick got his tactics wrong, the Portuguese midfielder avoided directly blaming him but pointed out that it was the coaching staff's responsibility to assess the situation.

“That’s on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable,” he added.

Fernandes seemed to feel that United needed to be more aggressive when trying to win back the ball and stop their opponents from finding their rhythm.

Carrick later addressed Fernandes’ comments during his post-match press conference. He stressed the importance of effort and commitment from the players.

“There’s a little bit of whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win,” the United boss said.

Though Carrick did not mention Fernandes directly, his remarks showed a different focus compared to the midfielder. While Fernandes talked about pressing and taking tactical risks, Carrick highlighted the need for players to work hard, no matter the system.

This exchange could attract attention because Fernandes is the captain and a key player. Publicly questioning the tactics can put more pressure on a manager already facing criticism for results.

Still, Fernandes did not outright call for Carrick to be fired. Similarly, Carrick's response did not accuse his captain of undermining him.

The defeat and the mixed messages after the match raised questions about Manchester United’s tactical direction, how players executed the game plan, and the agreement between the players and coaching staff.

With pressure increasing after this heavy loss, Carrick must work on restoring confidence, improving performances, and ensuring that his players show the intensity needed in future matches.