Bruno Fernandes criticised Michael Carrick and the Manchester United coaching staff immediately after the team's 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, pointing to a lack of bravery and insufficient man-to-man pressing.
The United captain was substituted in the 67th minute with the side already 3-0 down, having been deployed as the most advanced attacker on the left flank during a poor team display.
Fernandes targets defensive approach
Fernandes directed his frustration at the tactical setup, particularly the defensive structure. "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," he told HBO Max.
"But sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence. It's not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early. Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way."
Call for greater bravery
He added: "Conceding early makes us go into 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."
When asked about Carrick's responsibility for the loss, Fernandes responded: "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."
He concluded: "As you saw with them [Como], the centre-back was coming to mark me in my own half. We need to do that as a team but we were unable to. 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."
