Manchester United coaches reportedly believe only Amad Diallo emerged from the Champions League defeat to Como with any credit. The Ivorian started the 4-1 loss on the bench but came on for Matheus Cunha at half-time.
While his team-mates were outclassed by Cesc Fabregas' side, Diallo took the game to the Serie A club and impressed. He registered a goal contribution, providing the pass for Joshua Zirkzee's 91st-minute consolation goal.
Staff shocked by display
According to ESPN, senior club staff were shocked by the manner of the performance against Como. It is also understood many players refused to take responsibility for their performances at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.
United players were given the day off on Thursday despite losing so convincingly in Italy. The pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick, but the Manchester Evening News understands he will remain in his post for this weekend's clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Carrick's reaction
After the match, the furious United manager barely acknowledged his players on the pitch and instead went straight to the travelling United fans to apologise. He was also rocked by the news that captain Bruno Fernandes blasted his tactics in an explosive post-match interview.
Fernandes specifically said he was unhappy the team did not press Como man-to-man, something which left Carrick bemused. When Fernandes' comments were put to him, the ex-United midfielder replied: "We actually half-pressed man-to-man the second half and then conceded a goal from that. 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 ain’t going to win."
Upcoming fixtures
When asked how he will rally the players before hosting Bournemouth, Carrick added: "I’m bitterly disappointed, I’m frustrated; more than frustrated, I’m really angry. But you’ve got to move on. You got to deal with what’s next and see what that looks like. At this moment in time, there’s a lot to do before that next game to get the team ready because that was a difficult night for everyone. I have to apologise to the supporters."
After Bournemouth, United also have to face Roma in the Champions League, Chelsea and Aston Villa, in what appears to be a worrying run of matches.
