According to a report by Flashscore on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Manchester United struggled during the first half of their UEFA Champions League encounter against Como, with Nico Paz scoring in the second minute to give the Italian side a 1-0 lead at halftime. Michael Carrick's team selection and tactical decisions raised questions as the visitors struggled to establish control and create clear goalscoring opportunities.

One of the questionable decisions made by Carrick was his midfield selection, which failed to provide the right balance between defensive protection and attacking creativity. Manchester United struggled to contain Como's movement through the middle, allowing the home side to enjoy more possession and dictate the tempo for significant periods.

Carrick could have considered a more defensively balanced midfield combination to help protect the back four and prevent Como from finding dangerous spaces. The early goal exposed United's defensive vulnerability and left the visitors chasing the game almost immediately.

Another decision that attracted criticism was leaving Amad Diallo on the bench. The Ivorian winger possesses the dribbling ability, pace and creativity needed to trouble opposition defenders. With Manchester United struggling to stretch Como's defence, Amad's ability to beat players in one-on-one situations could have offered a different attacking dimension.

Starting Amad might have helped United create more opportunities from the right flank and put Como under greater pressure. Instead, the visitors struggled to produce consistent attacking movements during the opening 45 minutes.

The third questionable decision was playing Bruno Fernandes on the flank rather than allowing the Portuguese captain to operate in his preferred central attacking midfield position. Fernandes is one of United's most creative players, capable of unlocking defences with his passing range, vision and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.

Deploying him in a wider position appeared to limit his influence in central areas, where his creativity could have helped connect the midfield with the attack. Allowing Fernandes to operate behind the forward could have given Manchester United a better chance of creating clear opportunities and controlling attacking transitions.

Carrick also needed to address the team's defensive organisation. Como took advantage of an early opportunity through Nico Paz, while United struggled to impose themselves on the contest. Although the goal cannot be attributed to the manager alone, the team's response highlighted the need for better organisation and composure.

Overall, leaving Amad Diallo on the bench and deploying Bruno Fernandes on the flank were two decisions that deserved scrutiny, particularly because Manchester United lacked attacking creativity during the first half.