Manchester United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night, and Michael Carrick's post-match actions made it clear he held his players responsible for the disgraceful performance.
The loss at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium was one of United's worst European away nights in the 13 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Como were sharper, cleverer, and better coached, with Cesc Fabregas's side dominating from start to finish.
Carrick's Fury at Full Time
As the final whistle blew, Carrick marched straight over to the away end with palms outstretched by way of apology. He ignored every single player and headed for the tunnel, making it obvious he blamed them for the embarrassment.
United have won just twice in 11 games this season. An injury crisis offers some mitigation, but not to this extent. This was as lifeless a display as United have produced in a long time.
Another Early Deficit
Having gone behind inside a minute in Madrid a week ago, United lasted to the second minute in Como this time. Diogo Dalot curled a left-footed shot wide before Nico Paz showed him how it's done, ghosting between Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire to score a sublime finish.
United were careless and lethargic, bullied all over the pitch. A Maguire header that floated well wide was their only real chance of the first half. The away end burst into a chorus of "attack, attack, attack" after 33 minutes, but the 700 supporters behind the goal saw little improvement.
Second-Half Collapse
Carrick's half-time changes saw Andrey Santos and Matheus Cunha replaced by Carlos Baleba and Amad, but it made no difference. Within three-and-a-half minutes of the restart, United were two behind as Paz slipped in Anastasios Douvikas to lift a shot past Senne Lammens.
Paz then intercepted a Baleba pass, raced clear, and slotted home a third. Jacobo Ramon headed in a fourth without a United defender in sight. In between, Bruno Fernandes was taken off, shaking his head and aiming daggers at the bench as he made the slow trudge back to the dugout.
What Next for Carrick?
Carrick talked confidently of a fresh start only four days ago. When things unravel that quickly, it usually means the end is near. Failing to beat Bournemouth on Sunday will surely be curtains.
Only around 100 of the 700 United fans remained in the stadium to see Joshua Zirkzee's consolation goal. Carrick's position now hangs by a thread.
