Carrick Faces Crisis After United's 4-1 Como Loss as Fernandes Questions Tactics
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 22
Carrick Faces Crisis After United's 4-1 Como Loss as Fernandes Questions Tactics
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 22
Summary
4-1 at Como pushed Michael Carrick into a full-blown crisis, with the Manchester United coach apologizing to away fans after a limp display that the scoreline arguably flattered.
Bruno Fernandes deepened the pressure by saying United had been told to sit off rather than press man-to-man, effectively challenging the coaching staff's tactical plan in a post-match interview.
Carrick hit back that United did switch to a half man-to-man press after halftime and still conceded, adding that players who do not run forward or back will not win.
Two wins in 11 games, eight absentees through injury or illness and a second straight week of public player criticism have sharpened doubts over whether the problem is tactics, fitness, recruitment or dressing-room belief.
United's wider malaise now stretches beyond Carrick, with repeated mid-season upheaval and scrutiny on INEOS-era leadership under Jim Ratcliffe after results worsened since his investment.