Manchester United boss Carrick responds to Fernandes’ comments, says ‘if you don’t run, you are not going to win’

File photo: Manchester United is winless in its last seven games in all competitions. | Photo Credit: AP

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has responded to captain Bruno Fernandes’ criticism of the team’s tactics following the 1-4 loss against Como in the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 on Wednesday.

Nicolas Paz, Jacobo Ramon and Anastasios Douvikas got scored for the home side as United extended its winless run to seven games in all competitions.

After the game Fernandes said that the Como players were given too much space due to decisons taken by the coaching staff.

“It’s a decision from the (coaching) staff not to 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,” he said.

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“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,” Fernandes added.

When these comments were brought up in the post-match press conference, Carrick noted that his team had half-pressed during the second half, a move which also led to a goal.

“We were actually half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and ended up conceding a goal from that,” Carrick said.

“There is a little bit on whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play. If you don’t run - you don't run forward, you don't run back, you are not gonna win,” he added.