Como vs Manchester United: Carrick apologises to fans, calls performance ‘unacceptable’

Michael Carrick took responsibility for United’s 4-1 defeat to Como, which extended its winless run to seven matches across all competitions. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick apologised to the club’s travelling supporters and took responsibility for his side’s 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, describing the performance as unacceptable.

Carrick approached the away section at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia after the final whistle, repeatedly raising his hands in apology following another disappointing outing for United.

“I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters. They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be,” Carrick said.

The defeat extended United’s winless streak to seven matches across all competitions and marked its fifth loss of the season, increasing the scrutiny on Carrick just months after he signed a two-year contract.

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The former United midfielder acknowledged that the team had fallen well short of expectations and accepted responsibility for its struggles.

“It was more than disappointing. I think everybody has got to take responsibility for that,” he said.

Carrick added that the manner of the defeat was particularly difficult to accept, with United unable to match Como’s intensity and attacking threat.

Nico Paz scored twice for Cesc Fabregas’ side, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon were also on target. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored a consolation goal for United in stoppage time.

The result continued a difficult start to the campaign for Carrick, who had initially impressed during his interim spell in charge last season.

Appointed temporarily in January, he oversaw a turnaround that helped United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League, earning him the permanent managerial position.

However, United has managed just one Premier League victory this season and has already been eliminated from the English League Cup.

With results deteriorating, Carrick’s position has come under increasing pressure, although he insisted he had not considered his future when questioned after the match.

“I’ve not given my own position any thought,” Carrick said, maintaining that his immediate concern was the club’s supporters and the team’s performance.