Carrick under pressure as United struggles continue

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 07:20 · Archive

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure after a 4-1 defeat by Como, with captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticising tactics.

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure after a 4-1 defeat by Como in which he apologised to 700 travelling supporters. Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Carrick's tactics in one interview and said the club was 'living in the past' in another, remarks that underline the depths the club has reached.

United have won only two of their last 11 games this season, both against lower-ranked opposition: newly-promoted Ipswich and Champions League minnows Sabah. The Mirror reports that Fernandes' comments came just a week after defender Lisandro Martinez called out the club's poor recruitment.

BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis argues that United's problems run deeper than management. He notes that since 2021, United have invested over £1 billion on 27 major signings across three permanent managers before Carrick took over as interim manager in January. Pulis observes that while Carrick initially steadied the club to finish third and reach the Champions League, a return to poor form has followed. The Mirror suggests Carrick must provoke a reaction, noting that United face Bournemouth and need a win, but that he also needs to deal with Fernandes.

How it is being reported

• Michael Carrick faces make-or-break Bruno Fernandes decision after Cristiano Ronaldo comparisonANALYSIS: Bruno Fernandes' blunt criticism after Manchester United's thrashing in Como threw down the gauntlet to Michael Carrick - he must respond with authority this weekendMirror Sport · 25 Oct, 07:00
• What Man Utd need now is stability, not more changes - PulisBBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains why Bruno Fernandes' comments after Manchester United's defeat by Como showed how hard it must be to run the club at the moment.BBC News · 25 Oct, 06:34

In this story: Manchester United · Michael Carrick · Bruno Fernandes · Como · Tony Pulis · Lisandro Martinez

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