Carrick hits back at Fernandes after Man Utd suffer loss at Como

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have appeared to exchange criticism following the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como, further raising questions about the manager’s future.

United suffered their fifth defeat in 11 matches this season after a disappointing display at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on Wednesday night.

According to ESPN, Fernandes, who was substituted in the 67th minute, appeared to question Carrick’s tactical approach after the match.

“It was a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind,” he said.

Asked about Fernandes’ remarks during his post-match news conference, Carrick responded by defending the team’s approach and criticising the players’ work rate.

“We actually were half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and then conceded a goal from that,” Carrick said.

“And 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 apparent exchange between Carrick and his captain could intensify scrutiny of the manager as pressure mounts over United’s recent performances.

Carrick signed a two-year contract in May after guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League. However, the team are now enduring a seven-match winless run.

After the defeat, Carrick apologised to the travelling supporters and was asked whether he feared being sacked.

“Listen, I’ve not given my own position any thought. This is for the supporters; I was one of them watching that, and I wasn’t happy at all.

“I’m really angry, to be honest. We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight wasn’t acceptable. I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure.”