Bruno Fernandes Questions Michael Carrick's Tactics After Man United's Loss to Como
Michael Carrick, the head coach of Manchester United, faces intense scrutiny following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season. The team sits 13th in the Premier League with only one victory in seven league games. Across all competitions, they have managed just two wins, including a humiliating 4-1 defeat away at Como that has increased pressure on the squad.
Bruno Fernandes Challenges Managerial Decisions
After the loss, captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to openly question Carrick’s tactical choices. When asked about what went wrong, Fernandes pointed to the coaching staff’s decision to avoid man-to-man pressing, explaining, "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence."
He was then asked if Carrick’s tactics were mistaken. Fernandes replied, "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."
The club’s approach under Carrick has generally avoided aggressive pressing throughout this season.
Carrick Defends His Strategy
In his post-match press conference, Carrick responded to Fernandes' comments by defending the tactical setup. He noted, "We actually were half pressing man-to-man in the second half and conceded a goal from that. It's a little bit on whatever system you play or tactics you play, if you don't run forward and you don't run back you ain't gonna win."
Criticism from Former Players
Former players turned pundits Jamie Carragher and Joe Cole also criticized Fernandes for publicly questioning the manager.
- Joe Cole told TNT Sports: "You cannot come out and question the tactics while captain of the side. That's sacrilege. I've played for managers where I don't agree with the tactics that they do, but you might say that to your mate, or to your wife. He doesn't even do it properly. If you're going to come out, be bold and say it with your chest. He sort of says 'well it could have been this but it's up to the manager.' He's saying it and he probably thinks he's being clever."
- Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS Sports, said: "We said Lisandro Martinez was bang out of order last week for calling out the hierarchy above him, and for Bruno Fernandes to do that is a disgrace really. Last season he got player of the year; that was on the back of Michael Carrick becoming the manager. He wouldn't have gotten that award without Michael Carrick."
