Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has insisted there is no division within his squad despite captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioning the team’s tactics following their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League.
Carrick addressed the growing scrutiny surrounding United during his latest press conference, stressing that frustration over recent results must not be allowed to undermine the team’s unity.
The defeat in Italy on Wednesday, October 21, intensified pressure on the manager and raised questions about the relationship between the coaching staff and senior players. Fernandes’ post-match comments added to the concerns after he suggested United should have pressed Como more aggressively.
However, Carrick has maintained that the problems facing the club must be addressed collectively rather than blamed on one individual.
Carrick Responds to Fernandes’ Criticism
Fernandes questioned United’s approach against Como, arguing that allowing the Italian side too much possession gave their players confidence and made the contest more difficult.
The Portugal international said the decision not to press opponents man-to-man was a tactical choice for the coaching staff to assess. He also suggested United needed to take greater risks by pressing higher up the pitch.
Carrick responded after the match by highlighting the importance of effort, intensity and discipline, regardless of the tactical system employed.
The United manager said the team would struggle to win matches if players failed to run forward and track back, underlining his disappointment with the performance.
Carrick also accepted responsibility for the defeat, describing the display as unacceptable and apologising to supporters who travelled to watch the team in Italy.
‘It Is a Collective’ — Carrick Backs United Captain
In his subsequent press conference, Carrick played down suggestions that Fernandes was solely responsible for the frustration surrounding the club’s difficult start to the campaign.
The manager acknowledged that disappointment over results was understandable but said it was a collective issue involving the entire team.
Carrick also praised Fernandes’ importance to the squad, describing him as a fantastic footballer whose influence extends beyond his individual performances.
He added that the midfielder had been carrying an injury but was now close to overcoming the problem and returning to his best form.
Carrick’s comments indicate that he does not intend to turn the disagreement into a personal dispute with the club captain.
Wayne Rooney Raises Concerns Over Team Unity
The disagreement has attracted criticism from former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who questioned the decision to criticise the coaching staff publicly.
Rooney argued that players must accept responsibility for their performances rather than shift blame towards the manager or other members of the club.
The former England captain also warned that repeated public disagreements could damage relationships within the dressing room.
Fernandes’ comments came shortly after defender Lisandro Martinez questioned the club’s recruitment and hierarchy following United’s defeat to Atletico Madrid, adding to concerns about the atmosphere surrounding the team.
Carrick Focuses on Turning United’s Season Around
United’s defeat to Como has increased scrutiny of Carrick, whose side have struggled to maintain consistent results in recent weeks.
The manager has insisted that he remains focused on improving performances and believes the team can recover if players respond positively to the challenge.
United must now concentrate on their upcoming fixtures, with the response to the Como defeat likely to be closely watched by supporters.
For Carrick, restoring confidence, improving the team’s intensity and keeping the squad united will be central to his efforts to change the club’s fortunes.
Although Fernandes’ criticism has fuelled debate about the relationship between the captain and his manager, Carrick’s latest comments make clear that he wants the focus to remain on collective responsibility and results rather than an alleged dressing-room divide.