According to a report by the Evening Standard on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Michael Carrick has responded to Bruno Fernandes’ criticism of Manchester United’s tactical approach following their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.

The result extended United’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions and increased the pressure on Carrick, who is facing growing scrutiny over his position as head coach.

Fernandes questioned United’s lack of pressing intensity and movement off the ball after the defeat, suggesting the team needed to take greater risks by pressing their opponents higher up the pitch.

However, Carrick defended his approach when asked about the Portuguese midfielder’s comments during his post-match press conference.

The former Manchester United midfielder pointed to the team’s second-half performance as evidence that pressing aggressively did not necessarily guarantee success.

“We actually half pressed man-to-man in the second half and conceded from that,” Carrick responded.

He also stressed the importance of commitment and work rate, warning that players must contribute defensively and offensively if the team is to improve its results.

“If you don't run, don't run forward and you don't run back you are not going to win,” he added.

The exchange followed a difficult evening for United at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, where Como took control of the contest and secured a convincing victory.

Fernandes was substituted during the second half with United trailing 3-0. Joshua Zirkzee replaced the captain and later scored a consolation goal for the visitors, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

Nico Paz was among the standout performers for Como, scoring twice as Cesc Fabregas’ side took advantage of United’s defensive problems.

The defeat was particularly disappointing for Carrick’s team, who were without nine first-team players because of injuries. Despite those absences, United struggled to contain their opponents and were deservedly beaten.

Fernandes’ criticism and Carrick’s response have added another layer of scrutiny to United’s difficult campaign. The captain questioned the team’s tactical execution, while the manager emphasised the need for greater effort and intensity from his players.

Manchester United will now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend.

The Red Devils sit 13th in the league table and have not recorded a league victory since beating Ipswich Town 5-2 at the end of August, leaving Carrick under pressure to improve the team’s results.