Bruno Fernandes criticised Michael Carrick's tactics after Manchester United's 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League. The result extended the Red Devils' winless streak to seven games under their permanent head coach.
Defeat in Italy
Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, secured a convincing victory, with Nico Paz playing a starring role. The loss piled pressure on Carrick, who apologised to the travelling United supporters in Italy for the performance.
Fernandes, who was substituted in the second half, spoke about the team's struggles. "It's not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early," the United captain said.
Fernandes on Tactical Issues
"Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way," Fernandes added. "Conceding early makes us go into a game with a mood of defeat, it's difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen. If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation."
He also highlighted the staff's decision not to press man to man. "It's a decision from the staff to not 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."
Pressure Mounts
Fernandes continued: "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. As you saw with them, the centre-back was coming to mark me in my own half. We needed to do that as a team but we were unable to."
He added: "A team that plays through the middle with small connections, if you give them too much time and space then they can hurt you out wide."
Social media criticism has grown, with many calling for a change in the managerial position as Carrick faces increasing scrutiny during his first season in charge.
