Bruno Fernandes questions Carrick’s tactics after Man United’s 4-1 defeat and gets a blunt response
United's captain questioned the pressing plan after defeat at Como, before Carrick pointed to his players' work rate.
Manchester United’s evening at Como ended with a 4-1 defeat, their captain questioning the tactical instructions and Michael Carrick explaining that no system works if the players do not run.
The Champions League loss on Wednesday extended United’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions. The interviews afterwards offered little relief.
Fernandes argued that United had allowed their opponents to grow comfortable on the ball, while Carrick pointed to problems with how his players carried out the plan.
Bruno Fernandes questions United’s pressing plan
Speaking to TNT Sports, the United captain made clear that the decision to stand off Como had come from the coaching staff.
“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man,” he said.
Fernandes explained that the approach involved waiting for opportunities to regain possession, but suggested United had paid for allowing Como so much of the ball.
“But sometimes when you give the ball too much to these teams they get confidence.”
Asked whether Carrick had got the tactics wrong, Fernandes left that assessment to the manager and his staff.
He nevertheless called for a braver approach, arguing that United needed to press higher and make their opponents uncomfortable. He pointed to Como’s willingness to follow him into his own half as an example of the pressure United had struggled to apply themselves.
Michael Carrick points to players’ work rate
When Fernandes’ comments were put to Carrick, the manager said United had attempted a man-to-man press in the second half and conceded from it.
His wider assessment was rather less concerned with the formation.
“If you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win.”
Carrick also accepted responsibility for the overall performance and apologised to the travelling supporters, describing the display as unacceptable.
United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, still looking for their first win since September.
