Manchester United supporters have criticised Michael Carrick for playing Bruno Fernandes up front after the captain was substituted in the 67th minute of their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
United were already 3-0 down when Fernandes came off, with fans questioning Carrick’s decision to use the midfielder as a striker rather than in his preferred No. 10 role. Some also questioned why the reigning Premier League Player of the Season continues to feature despite his recent struggles.
Fernandes Taken Off as Como Pull Clear
Como took the lead through Nico Paz after two minutes, with Anastasios Douvikas doubling their advantage early in the second half. Paz made it 3-0 in the 57th minute after United lost possession, before Fernandes was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee ten minutes later.
Jacobo Ramón scored Como’s fourth in the 76th minute.
Sky Sports reported that Fernandes shook his head as he left the pitch. Its live reporter also noted that his most notable attacking contribution was a cross that narrowly missed Amad Diallo, while he was otherwise seen berating teammates.
Fernandes’ first-half statistics were:
| First half | Fernandes |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Dribbles | 0 |
| Tackles won | 0 |
| Possession lost | 7 |
| Misplaced passes | 5 |
Supporters question Carrick’s selection of Fernandes
“Why are we playing Bruno Fernandes as a striker?” one supporter asked, pointing out that Fernandes had created one chance and taken no shots before the break.
Another added that Carrick should “just play him in his best role as a No.10” with runners around him. A third said Carrick keeps playing Fernandes off position to fit him into the team.
The criticism contrasts with Carrick’s approach when he took charge in January. He moved Fernandes out of the deeper midfield role he had occupied under Ruben Amorim and restored him to the No. 10 position.
Carrick said the freedom of that role suited the captain’s creativity.
Questions over Fernandes’ positioning had resurfaced before the Como defeat. United In Focus reported that Carrick started him out wide in the 1-1 draw at Leeds, prompting criticism from supporters on TalkingPoints.
The report said many blamed Carrick’s tactical decisions instead of Fernandes.
How Fernandes’ Numbers Have Fallen Since His Award Season
Fernandes was named the Premier League’s EA SPORTS Player of the Season in May and was later voted PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
His 2025-26 figures were nine goals and 21 assists, a Premier League assist record, and the Premier League said he created 132 chances, 43 more than any other player.
| Period | Competition | Output |
| 2025-26 season | Premier League | 9 goals, 21 assists |
| 2026-27, before the Atlético Madrid game | All competitions | 4 goals, 1 assist in 8 appearances |
| Draw at Leeds | Premier League | 1 chance created, 1 shot on target |
| Six appearances before Como | All competitions | No goal or assist |
| Como, first half | Champions League | 0 shots, 0 goals, 0 assists |
Carrick confirmed before the Atlético Madrid game that Fernandes was carrying a knock but said the injury did not require him to miss matches. United lost 2-0 in Madrid.
United travelled to Como without Benjamin Šeško, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martínez, according to Reuters. They had won just two of their first 10 games in all competitions and were winless in six.
Marking their worst start to an English top-flight season in 40 years.
Appointed permanently in May, Carrick said before the Como game that he felt backed by the board. “We’ve got to win games of football and that’s what we’re striving to do,” he said.
