Man United lose 4-1 to Como amid internal tensions

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 20:50 · Archive

Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como, with players publicly criticising management and each other.

Manchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday has intensified scrutiny on the club and exposed internal divisions. The result represents the latest chapter in a pattern of poor performance spanning over two decades, marked by instability and mismanagement.

The match has triggered a public row between players and club staff over responsibility for the loss. Fernandes criticised manager Michael Carrick's game plan in Italy, while Martinez had previously pointed criticism at Jason Wilcox within the club structure.

Wayne Rooney condemned the players' response to the defeat, accusing Fernandes and Martinez of behaving "like babies" and being selfish. Speaking on The United Stand podcast, Rooney urged the captain and Martinez to take responsibility on the pitch rather than deflect blame to others. He said the players "care about themselves, they don't care about their team-mates, don't care about the manager, about the staff or the fans."

Sky Sports' Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol suggested the public criticism from players reflected their frustration with how the club is being run. He noted that Fernandes and Martinez were attempting to communicate to fans that something was fundamentally wrong at the club, particularly regarding the transfer window and management decisions made above the playing staff.

The debate over responsibility underscores deeper problems at Manchester United. The instability and mismanagement the club has experienced since the Glazers' acquisition are cited as the root cause of the decline, with player criticism and lack of board clarity on the manager's future now adding to mounting fan discontent.

How it is being reported

• Wayne Rooney slams 'selfish' Man United players for behaving 'like babies' after Como collapseManchester United’s season hit a new low with a 4-1 defeat at Como on WednesdayIndependent Sport · 22 Oct, 20:24
• 'They're not special anymore' - How Man Utd reached their latest lowManchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como was the latest chapter in their continued downward trajectory in recent years.Sky Sports · 22 Oct, 12:51
• 'They're not special anymore' - How Man Utd reached their latest lowManchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como was the latest chapter in their continued downward trajectory in recent years.Sky Sports Football · 22 Oct, 12:51

In this story: Manchester United · Como · Bruno Fernandes · Lisandro Martinez · Michael Carrick · Wayne Rooney · Jason Wilcox · Glazers

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