Bruno Fernandes criticised after questioning Carrick’s Como tactics

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has drawn sharp criticism after appearing to question Michael Carrick’s approach in the wake of the club’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.

Fernandes said United had been instructed not to press Como man-to-man, adding that the plan at times left room behind the side. Carrick answered by shifting the focus towards his players’ effort, insisting no formation can succeed without work in both directions.

Quick facts

• Manchester United lost 4-1 away to Como in the Champions League.
• United are without a win in seven matches in all competitions.
• The club have won two of their first 11 games of the season.
• Bournemouth visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carrick said that, regardless of the tactical system selected, a team will not win if its players do not run forward and recover defensively.

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf placed the responsibility firmly on United’s squad. He described the display as a betrayal of Carrick, the supporters and the club, arguing that the players had failed to meet their obligations.

Leboeuf accepted that the tactical set-up may not have been ideal, but suggested Carrick’s knowledge of the group’s limitations could have informed a more cautious plan. In his view, the players had let their coach down through a lack of running and commitment.

His criticism of Fernandes was particularly pointed. Leboeuf acknowledged the Portuguese midfielder’s quality but accused him of spending too much time complaining, and urged him to concentrate on his work for the team.

Leboeuf also said that, after Lisandro Martínez, too many United players had spoken publicly rather than delivered on the pitch. He called the performance in Como awful and said the side had simply not done its job.

Joe Cole, the former Chelsea and England midfielder, also objected to Fernandes’ post-match comments. Cole said the United captain had plainly challenged the manager’s tactics and considered that unacceptable for the holder of the armband.

Cole said players can disagree with a manager privately, whether in conversation with teammates or directly with the coach, but should not air that disagreement publicly. He felt Fernandes had attempted to soften his remarks while still making clear that he believed the tactical call had been wrong.

Fernandes should instead discuss his concerns with Carrick face to face, Cole said. He added that a Manchester United captain could not publicly question the manager in that manner, and argued such an episode would not have occurred under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The defeat in Como has intensified the pressure around United’s poor start. Carrick’s side now turn back to domestic action, with Bournemouth due at Old Trafford on Sunday.