Manchester United manager Michael Carrick issued an apology to travelling supporters at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia after his side suffered a 1-4 defeat against Como on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League. Carrick walked over to the away section immediately following the final whistle on Thursday, October 22, 2026, to address the fans directly following an evening he described as completely unacceptable.

Como Dominates at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

The match turned against the visitors within the opening moments when Como claimed a goal in the second minute. The Serie A side capitalized on early pressure to establish a commanding lead, adding three subsequent goals as Manchester United struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking structure. Nico Paz anchored the home side’s performance with two goals and one assist, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also found the back of the net for Cesc Fabregas’s squad. Joshua Zirkzee provided a consolation goal for Manchester United during stoppage time, but the 1-4 final score left the English club empty-handed on the night.

Michael Carrick Addresses the Away Section

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Carrick explained his decision to approach the supporters directly rather than retreat down the tunnel. The manager emphasized his connection to the club and his shared frustration with the fanbase over the team’s ongoing struggles. “I have to apologize to the supporters. I care about this club as much as anyone, if not more, with my current position and how precious this club is to me. We played like that, and it cannot be accepted,” Carrick said. He noted that his presence before the fans was an acknowledgement of the difficult weeks they had endured, adding that he feels the same pain as the supporters watching from the stands.

Deepening Crisis and Seven-Match Winless Run

The heavy defeat in Italy extended Manchester United’s winless streak across all competitions to seven matches, marking their longest stretch without a victory since 2015. The club’s internal difficulties have become increasingly glaring as Carrick attempts to find a stable tactical balance. Midfielder Youri Tielemans acknowledged the depth of the team’s struggles after the final whistle, pointing to systemic failures in both defensive organization and attacking transitions. Despite introducing personnel changes designed to shield the backline, the team continues to leak goals from set pieces and open play.

Climbing Standings and Managerial Contrasts

Como moved to six points from their opening three Champions League fixtures. In contrast, Manchester United remains stuck on three points from three European matches, intensifying the pressure on Carrick ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at the weekend. While Fabregas continues to build a tactically flexible and aggressive side, Carrick’s squad searches for an elusive remedy to an accumulation of poor results.