Manchester United were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, a result that has intensified scrutiny of head coach Michael Carrick just 11 games into his permanent tenure. Como, playing only their third game in the competition, were better in every department, and Nico Paz was the standout performer, scoring twice and creating another goal.
United conceded four goals in a European match for the first time in 33 years. Carrick said he was "really angry" with the display, admitting it "shouldn't be like that, even if we don't play well." Having now gone seven games without a win, with a visit from AFC Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Sunday, the question is how much longer Carrick can survive.
The defeat was particularly damaging after the team conceded in the opening minutes against Atlético Madrid the previous week, and then fell behind to a Paz strike within two minutes in Como. Anastasios Douvikas, Jacobo Ramón and Joshua Zirkzee's consolation followed, but by then the visitors had largely stopped competing. A frustrated Carrick made two changes at half-time, but there was no reaction from his players.
Carrick stayed rooted to the bench until the final whistle, then congratulated Como boss Cesc Fàbregas before apologizing to the small number of United fans who remained. Several players, including Youri Tielemans, were openly critical, calling the performance a "non-performance." Whether Carrick survives the next game or not, the squad faces questions about its response to the head coach.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing