After CL Debacle: Captain Fernandes Criticizes United Tactics

Manchester United suffered a 4-1 thrashing at Como 1907 on the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League (match report>>>).

This plunges the "Red Devils" deeper into crisis; the Carrick XI has now been winless for seven games. Their last victory was recorded at the beginning of September on the first Champions League matchday, when United defeated outsider Sabah FK 4-0.

As if the sporting situation wasn't bad enough, United captain Bruno Fernandes is now criticizing his team's tactics, and by extension, head coach Michael Carrick, after the recent defeat.

"Need to be braver"

"It is the coaching staff's decision not to press man-to-man and thus sometimes leave space behind when trying to win the ball. But if you give space to teams like Como (Ed. note), they gain more and more confidence," said the midfielder on Wednesday evening.

"Sometimes you have to be braver when you're under pressure. You have to take the risk of pressing high and making it difficult for the opponent," added Fernandes, whose last goal contribution in a United shirt also dates back to early September.

Carrick facing exit?

The pressure is mounting on United coach Carrick; he urgently needs to deliver if he wants to keep his job at Old Trafford.

The upcoming league match against AFC Bournemouth could already be a make-or-break game for the 45-year-old.

While Carrick had led the "Red Devils" to the Champions League as interim coach last season, Manchester United has had a catastrophic start to the new season.

In the Premier League, they are in 13th place, having collected only seven points. The top club is already 14 points behind league leaders and rivals Manchester City.