Michael Carrick has issued a response after captain Bruno Fernandes questioned tactics deployed by Manchester United in their 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.

Fernandes called out United's pressing style in their thrashing at the hands of Como, who are managed by former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

In his post-match interview, Carrick said he took 'responsibility' for the defeat as the head coach of United, having apologised to the travelling fans in Lombardy after full-time. That interview was completed before Fernandes' remarks to TNT Sports emerged, and Carrick was asked about those comments in his media conference.

Michael Carrick speaks out over Bruno Fernandes comments

In his response, Carrick appeared to suggest that United's running out of possession also played a part in the nightmare defeat on Tuesday evening.

"Actually, we half pressed man-to-man in the second half and ended up conceding a goal from that," he stated (via Sky Sports).

"There's a little bit of whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you aren't going to win."

When asked if he felt the United players were still 'playing' for him following Fernandes' comments, he replied: "It shouldn't be me. It shouldn't be me. It's not about playing for me, it's about playing for this football club. It's the responsibility that comes with it.

"I'm in the position, I'm responsible for the football club and the supporters. I'm giving my best, my absolute best, all the time. I care about it. My whole life's wrapped around it. Listen, it might go well, it might not go so well. But I genuinely give everything that I possibly can. It's not about me, in the relationship. It's about what we all give - players, staff - for this football club."

"I'd like to think so," Carrick said, when asked if he thought the players gave the same amount to the football club. "I didn't like what I'd seen tonight now."

More to follow...