Manchester United players and staff returned to Manchester in the early hours of Thursday after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, extending the club’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions.
The team arrived back amid growing pressure on head coach Michael Carrick, following their heavy loss in Italy on Wednesday evening. The result also marked a significant European performance for Como.
Carrick and United captain Bruno Fernandes were among those pictured driving away from Manchester Airport at around 12.30am. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens and midfielder Mason Mount, who both started the match, were also seen returning home in wet conditions.
United’s last victory came on September 10, when they defeated Sabah 4-0.
Fernandes’ Comments Put Carrick’s Tactics Under Scrutiny
Fernandes’ post-match remarks have intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s management, particularly after the captain questioned United’s approach to pressing against Como.
The midfielder raised concerns about the team’s lack of a man-to-man press, prompting further debate over the manager’s tactics and the relationship between the captain and head coach.
His comments came a week after defender Lisandro Martínez made critical remarks about the club’s hierarchy, adding to the public disagreements surrounding United.
Jamie Carragher Calls Fernandes’ Remarks a Disgrace
CBS Sports pundit Jamie Carragher strongly criticised Fernandes for publicly questioning Carrick’s approach following the defeat.
Carragher described the captain’s conduct as a “disgrace” and said it was not what he expected from a Manchester United captain.
“We said Lisandro Martínez was bang out of order last week for calling out the hierarchy above him. For Bruno Fernandes to do that is a disgrace really,” Carragher said.
He also credited Carrick with helping Fernandes return to his preferred position last season, arguing that the midfielder’s performances had benefited from the manager’s decisions.
“When you think about last season, he got player of the year. That was on the back of Michael Carrick becoming the manager,” Carragher said.
He added that Fernandes was a talented footballer but criticised what he described as the midfielder’s attitude and public reaction.
Carragher Questions Fernandes’ Approach to Pressing
Carragher also challenged Fernandes’ comments about United’s pressing system, arguing that the captain’s movement on the pitch could undermine the team’s collective efforts.
He claimed Fernandes often moved around excessively during matches and said the approach could leave other players having to compensate.
Carragher argued that the captain’s conduct was particularly concerning given his criticism of the manager after being substituted during the Como match.
He said Fernandes appeared embarrassed by the decision to take him off and suggested this had influenced his post-match comments.
Former Captain Bryan Robson Cited as an Example
Carragher contrasted Fernandes’ behaviour with that of former United captain Bryan Robson, whom he described as one of the club’s greatest players.
He said Robson had fought for the team without publicly undermining managers or teammates.
“Years ago, there was a captain called Bryan Robson, one of the greatest players to ever play for Man United because he played for the club, he didn’t throw the manager or the players under the bus,” Carragher said.
Carragher also criticised Fernandes for regularly showing frustration on the pitch, arguing that his public reaction to the manager was inappropriate given United’s performances this season.
Pressure Mounts on Carrick and United’s Captain
The 4-1 defeat to Como has added to the pressure on Carrick as United’s winless run reaches seven matches.
Fernandes’ criticism of the team’s pressing approach has also drawn attention to tensions surrounding the club, while Carragher’s response has placed the captain’s conduct under further scrutiny.
United’s return to Manchester followed a damaging night in Europe, with questions continuing over the team’s performances, Carrick’s tactics and the public relationship between the manager and his captain.
