Turmoil at Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes lashes out at Michael Carrick

Bruno Fernandes has become the protagonist of the latest news from Manchester United as he publicly questioned Michael Carrick's tactical decisions after the defeat of the Red Devils against Como 1907 (4-1), this October 21st in the Champions League. The Portuguese captain's criticisms come just a week after Lisandro Martínez blamed the club's management for the team's sporting problems.

The 32-year-old midfielder expressed his disagreement with the approach used against the team led by Cesc Fàbregas, especially due to the lack of pressure on the Italian players. These statements highlight the differences between the squad and the coaching staff.

The defeat leaves Manchester United with seven consecutive winless matches across all competitions. The English team also has two losses in three Champions League matches, results that increase the pressure on Carrick.

🚨🗣️ Bruno Fernandes calling out Carrick & the backroom staff: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence." 🗣️ Bruno on whether he is saying Michael Carrick got his tactics wrong: "That's on the manager and staff to see, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable. As you saw with them [Como], the centre-back was coming to mark me in my own half. We need to do that as a team but we were unable to." 🗣️ Bruno: "A team that plays through the middle with small connections, if you give them too much time and space then they can hurt you out wide." https://t.co/Bt9bGkuzer

— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) October 21, 2026

Bruno Fernandes questions Michael Carrick's decisions

Bruno Fernandes was particularly critical of the defensive strategy used against Como. The Portuguese player explained to TNT Sports that the coaching staff had decided to forgo constant individual pressure, allowing the Italians to circulate the ball and find spaces.

The captain believes that this approach facilitated the opponent's growth. Como completed 594 passes, the highest number recorded by an opponent of United in the Champions League since Barcelona's 725 in April 2019.

The differences were also evident during the match. Carrick substituted Fernandes in the 67th minute with the score at 3-0, to bring on Joshua Zirkzee. The Portuguese player visibly left the field unhappy with the decision.

The coach later responded in a press conference. While acknowledging that the collective performance had been insufficient, he defended that any strategy requires intensity, defensive work, and commitment from the players.

Carrick also pointed out that the team had attempted individual pressing in some moments of the second half but failed to stop the opponent. His response made it clear that the manager and the captain have different interpretations regarding the reasons for the defeat.

Lisandro Martínez also criticizes the Manchester United board

Bruno Fernandes' criticisms are not the first public confrontation in recent weeks. After the defeat against Atlético de Madrid (2-0) in the Champions League, Lisandro Martínez directly targeted those responsible for the sports planning. Lisandro Martínez's outburst against Manchester United.

The Argentine defender questioned the investments made during the summer transfer window and expressed his disappointment with Jason Wilcox, the head of the sports management. Martinez believed that more signings were needed to compete with greater guarantees.

His statements led to a meeting with Carrick and Wilcox to address the situation. However, just a week later, the words of the Portuguese captain have once again highlighted the internal problems of the club.

The next match will take place on Sunday, October 25th, when United hosts Bournemouth in the Premier League. It will be the first opportunity to see how the team responds after Bruno Fernandes' criticisms and whether Carrick adjusts his tactics after the European loss.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Lío en el Manchester United: Rajadón de Bruno Fernandes a Michael Carrick