Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has candidly admitted that his side failed to apply adequate pressure and quickly adopted a defeatist mentality after conceding an early goal in their 4–1 Champions League defeat against Como. This latest setback has intensified the mounting scrutiny surrounding manager Michael Carrick, whose position at the helm of the English regime club grows increasingly precarious.

Como stunned the visitors by opening the scoring in just the second minute, triggering a defensive collapse that left Manchester United completely dismantled. A late stoppage-time consolation goal from Joshua Zirkzee did little more than slightly soften the severe scoreline. Fernandes stated that the team started on the wrong foot, lacking proper movement both on and off the ball while failing to cope with the early pressure. * *Note: Double newline maintained.*

Addressing the tactical approach, Fernandes remarked that it was up to the coaching staff to evaluate the strategy of avoiding man-to-man pressing, though he emphasized the need for greater bravery and high-intensity pressing under pressure. The demoralizing loss extends Manchester United’s winless run to seven consecutive matches, deepening the crisis within the squad.

Manager Michael Carrick described the performance as thoroughly unacceptable and stated that everyone, beginning with himself, must take full responsibility for the debacle. The 45-year-old manager apologized for the lack of intensity, motivation, and fundamental purpose shown on the pitch. With only three points gathered from their opening three Champions League fixtures, United now face a daunting upcoming clash against AS Roma.

Source: www.aljazeera.com