Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has criticised the club for focusing on past achievements after their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como in northern Italy on Wednesday night. Speaking to TNT Sports and Sky Sports Italy, Fernandes questioned manager Michael Carrick's tactics and called for a change in mentality.
Fernandes Questions Tactics and Mentality
"Everyone at the club must understand that it’s no longer the same," Fernandes said. "We’re no longer in the past and we must look to the future. We must create something different in the present."
"At this club, we focus too much on what was achieved in the past, but we are no longer the same. The club and the players must understand this," he added.
"Unfortunately for us, especially the players, those who come think about winning trophies, matches, and reaching the highest level, but unfortunately it’s been very difficult at this club in recent years. That’s the situation."
Carrick's Position Under Pressure
The defeat has increased scrutiny on Carrick, who was handed the job on a permanent basis only months ago. While the United hierarchy are not about to dismiss him, his position is far from safe. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is understood to be pushing for the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann if Carrick is sacked.
United have won just two matches this season, against newly promoted Ipswich and Champions League minnows Sabah. Carrick desperately needs a win against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Interview Restrictions and Substitution Reaction
Sky Sports Italy reporter Pierluigi Bagnulo said that Fernandes was not allowed by the club to conduct the interview in Italian, despite speaking the language fluently following time spent at Novara, Sampdoria and Udinese early in his career.
Carrick raised eyebrows by replacing Fernandes with Joshua Zirkzee in the second half in Como. "Nobody likes to leave the pitch, especially with a result like that," Fernandes said.
"It was a very difficult match for us, it was almost impossible to play with the ball, we weren’t close enough to maintain possession and play in their half," he explained. "Como were very brave in their man-to-man pressing, we never did that and we gave them too many opportunities to play between our lines, thus managing to create chances to score."
"It’s a very difficult moment for us, we’re not getting the points and results we want," Fernandes added. "The most important thing is that we’re not performing as we expect. Unfortunately, it’s one of those moments where it seems like we can’t get out of it. We have to do something to change this situation and start winning because it’s important."
United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday before travelling to Chelsea the following weekend.
