Carrick Apologizes After Como Humiliate Man United in Europe: What Went Wrong?

Michael Carrick walked to the away end, put a hand on his chest and apologised. That image says it all about a night in Italy that Manchester United will want to forget quickly. However, the 4-1 defeat to Como is also raising bigger questions about the manager, the tactics and the dressing room.

So, here is what happened, what was said, and what it means for United’s Champions League season.

What Was the Result?

Como 4-1 Manchester United, in the Champions League league phase on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Italian side scored through Nico Paz (twice), Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon. Joshua Zirkzee’s stoppage-time strike was United’s only reply.

How the Match Fell Apart

It went wrong almost immediately. Paz curled in a shot after two minutes, and Harry Maguire gave him too much space. Importantly, Sky notes United became the first English side to concede inside the opening two minutes of back-to-back major European games.

• 49 minutes: Douvikas ran in behind Matthijs de Ligt to make it 2-0.

• 57 minutes: Paz raced through again, after Carlos Baleba lost the ball in his own half.

• 76 minutes: Ramon headed in from a sweeping move to make it 4-0.

• Stoppage time: Zirkzee controlled Amad’s cross to score, though Sky says he was only narrowly onside.

Carrick made two half-time changes, bringing on Amad Diallo and Baleba for Andrey Santos and Matheus Cunha. Even so, the damage continued. Moreover, this was De Ligt’s first start in 325 days after back problems.

The numbers were not close either. According to a live match-stats feed, Como had nine shots on target to United’s four, and 54% of the possession.

Carrick’s Apology

After the final whistle, Carrick did not hide, he called the performance “unacceptable” and said, “I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance.” He added, “It stops with me.”

He also spoke about the travelling supporters. “For them to travel, I had to apologize for the performance,” he said. Meanwhile, he went ahead to say, “There are no excuses at all.”

However, he was not only blaming himself. He also said, “I didn’t like what I saw tonight,” a pointed line about the players’ effort.

The Bruno Fernandes Row

Then came the twist. Captain Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports that the decision not to press man-to-man came from the staff. According to Reuters via The Star, he said, “That’s on the manager and staff to see, not me,” and added that the team must “be more brave under pressure.”

Carrick pushed back in his press conference. He said United did half-press man-to-man in the second half and conceded from it. He then added, “If you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you ain’t going to win.”

So, a public disagreement between a captain and a manager is now part of the story. That is rarely a good sign at a struggling club.

How Bad Is United’s Run?

Not good. United have three points from three Champions League games, and the result extended a winless run to seven matches in all competitions. Fox adds that it was the club’s fifth loss of the season and that they have won just once in the league.

In the 36-team table, a live standings feed has United 20th on three points, while Como are ninth on six. Typically, the top eight go straight to the last 16, and teams from ninth to 24th face a playoff. So, United are inside the playoff places, but only just.

Moreover, Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the club’s recruitment after the earlier loss to Atlético Madrid. He later apologised.

Is Carrick’s Job in Danger?

It is uncertain. Carrick took over on a temporary basis in January, then guided United to third place and Champions League qualification. He was later given a two-year deal.

Now, The Peoples Person, relaying a report from The Times, says the club’s hierarchy was “shocked by the poor performance of the players.” It adds that some senior figures feel they share the blame, and that it was unclear whether Carrick would be in charge on Sunday. 

What Happens Next?

• Sunday, October 25: Man United host Bournemouth in the Premier League.

• Tuesday, November 3: United host AS Roma in the Champions League.

Both games now look like a test of the manager and the squad. However, a win would change the mood quickly, which is why this season is far from over.

If you follow European football, our sport desk has more. You may also enjoy this football story about a World Cup place decided on penalties.

Quick FAQs

What was the score between Como and Man United?

Como won 4-1 on October 21, 2026, in the Champions League.

Who scored for Como?

Nico Paz scored twice, and Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon scored one each.

Who scored for Man United?

Joshua Zirkzee scored in stoppage time.

Did Carrick apologise?

Yes. He called the performance “unacceptable” and apologised to the travelling fans.

When does Man United play next?

They host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, October 25.