Bruno Fernandes Raises Tactical Concerns After Manchester United’s 4-1 Defeat

United conceded in the second minute and struggled to recover during Wednesday’s match. Nico Paz opened the scoring before Tasos Douvikas doubled Como’s advantage. Paz then struck again, while Jacobo Ramon added a fourth. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal for United.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Fernandes admitted that United struggled to build momentum after conceding early.

“We started on the wrong foot and they scored very early,” the Portugal international said, pointing to a lack of pressure on the ball and ineffective movement in possession.

Fernandes suggested that the early goal affected the team’s confidence, making it difficult for the players to respond positively and take control of the match.

“Conceding early makes us go into the game with a mood of defeat,” he said. “It’s difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen.”

The United captain also highlighted the team’s passive defending, arguing that Como had too much time and space to dictate play.

Asked whether his comments amounted to criticism of manager Michael Carrick’s tactics, Fernandes said the assessment was a matter for the coaching staff.

“That’s on the manager and staff to see, not me,” he said, adding that United sometimes needed to take greater risks by pressing higher and putting opponents under pressure.

Fernandes’ remarks follow criticism from another United player, Lisandro Martinez, who questioned the club’s hierarchy after a reported 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid last week. Martinez suggested Carrick had been left with an understrength squad before later apologising.

Midfielder Youri Tielemans also acknowledged that United had been outplayed for much of the match against Como.

“We got outplayed for most of the game so it was a very disappointing night,” Tielemans said, stressing that tactical preparation needed to be matched by effort and performance on the pitch.

The defeat has intensified scrutiny of United’s performances, with Fernandes warning that the team would struggle to escape its current situation unless it improved its approach both in and out of possession.