Manchester United manager Michael Carrick acknowledged that his squad produced an unacceptable display against Italian outfit Como, addressing mounting scrutiny and calls regarding his position at Old Trafford.
Outplayed by Fabregas’ Side
Cesc Fabregas’ side dominated the encounter, with Nico Paz scoring twice alongside goals from Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón. Following the defeat, Bruno Fernandes openly criticized the team’s tactical set-up, echoing public concerns raised by defender Lisandro Martinez the previous week. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand also remarked that Como made the Premier League team look like they had won a raffle to play in the Champions League.
United started the match with an early opportunity created by Diogo Dalot, but Carrick conceded that his players failed to sustain any competitive threat for the remainder of the fixture.
Accountability and Fan Apology
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Carrick stated that he shouldered complete responsibility for the squad’s collapse. He questioned whether the team lacked the necessary discipline, aggression, intensity, motivation, or work rate, admitting, “we just weren’t there.”
“It was more than disappointing. I think everybody has got to take responsibility for that. I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance – that’s where it stops. It stops with me and I’m absolutely fine with that. I accept that totally. But as a supporter of this football club for so long, to see a performance like that is unacceptable, I have to say,” Carrick explained.
Following the final whistle, Carrick walked over to the travelling Manchester United fans with raised hands to apologize directly. He noted that the squad had intended to build momentum following their prior result against Leeds, but delivered the complete opposite, adding that there were no excuses for what the supporters witnessed.
When questioned about his future and the prospect of being dismissed from his managerial role, Carrick replied that the situation was not about him, emphasizing that his immediate priority was to process how the match unfolded.
