Champions League: Captain Fernandes questions United's tactics after Como drubbing

Home » Sports » Champions League: Captain Fernandes questions United's tactics after Como drubbing 'Conceding early makes us go into the game with a mood of defeat. ' IMAGE: Manager Michael Carrick's position has come under increasing pressure with Manchester United now winless in seven matches.

Photograph: Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters Key Points Manchester United suffered a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, with captain Bruno Fernandes criticising the team's 'mood of defeat' after conceding early. Fernandes questioned the team's pressure on the ball and movement, suggesting a lack of bravery in pressing high.

Manager Michael Carrick took responsibility for the 'unacceptable' performance, acknowledging the team's failure to show required intensity. The loss marks United's seventh consecutive match without a win, increasing scrutiny on Carrick's managerial position.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said his side failed to apply enough pressure and adopted a "mood of defeat" after conceding early in Wednesday's4-1 Champions League loss at Como, a result that increased scrutiny on manager Michael Carrick. Como opened the scoring in the second minute and United collapsed, with only a stoppage‑time consolation goal from Joshua Zirkzee making the scoreline slightly less severe.

Fernandes's Assessment of the Defeat "We started on the wrong foot and they scored very early," Fernandes told TNT Sports. "There was not enough pressure on the ball and not many good movements off the ball.

There were many things not going our way. It's a decision from the (coaching) staff not to press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence," he said.

Asked if his comments amounted to criticism of Carrick's tactics, Fernandes said: "That's on the manager and staff to see, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable.

Carrick Under Pressure Carrick's position has come under increasing pressure with United now winless in seven matches. It was more than disappointing," the 45-year-old manager told TNT Sports.

"I think everybody's got to take responsibility for that. I'll take responsibility for the overall team and performance, it stops with me and I'm fine with that."