Bruno Fernandes Questions Manchester United’s Approach After Heavy Defeat to Como
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has raised concerns about the team’s tactics and performance following a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Como in the UEFA Champions League.
The loss on Wednesday extended United’s winless run to seven matches, increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick as the English club continues to struggle for consistent results.
Como took the lead just two minutes into the match, with Nico Paz finding the net early and putting United on the back foot. The visitors struggled to respond, allowing the Italian side to control much of the contest.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Fernandes admitted that United had made a poor start and failed to apply sufficient pressure or create effective attacking movements.
The Portugal international suggested that conceding so early affected the team’s confidence and made it difficult for the players to recover their composure and take control of the game.
Como strengthened their advantage through Tasos Douvikas before Paz scored his second goal of the night. Jacobo Ramon added another goal, leaving United facing a heavy defeat. Joshua Zirkzee scored in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 4-1.
Fernandes also expressed concern about United’s defensive approach, arguing that the team allowed its opponents too much time and space to build attacks.
When asked whether his comments represented criticism of Carrick’s tactics, the United captain said the manager and coaching staff were responsible for assessing those issues. However, he stressed that the team needed to show greater courage under pressure and consider pressing higher up the pitch to disrupt opponents.
The latest comments follow criticism from another United player, Lisandro Martinez, who questioned the club’s leadership after a 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid the previous week. Martinez had suggested that Carrick was working with a squad lacking sufficient strength and later issued an apology.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans also acknowledged that United had been outplayed for much of the match against Como. He said the team’s overall performance, including its tactical execution and work rate, fell below the required standard.
The defeat has intensified scrutiny of Manchester United’s performances, with questions emerging over the team’s defensive organisation, tactical approach and ability to respond when facing early setbacks.
United will need a significant improvement in both performance and results to end their winless run and restore confidence among supporters.
