Michael Carrick cut a dejected figure as he approached Manchester United’s travelling supporters following a damaging 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como, appearing to apologise to the fans after another miserable night for the club.
United travelled to Italy desperately needing a positive response after a difficult start to the season, but instead produced one of their poorest performances under Carrick.
Como punished them ruthlessly, leaving the United manager facing even more uncomfortable questions about where the team is heading.
Carrick faces supporters after Como humiliation
Footage from full-time showed Carrick walking towards the away section after the final whistle and acknowledging the Man United supporters who had made the journey to Italy.
His gesture appeared apologetic after a result that will only increase the pressure surrounding his position.
Michael Carrick apologising to the Manchester United fans at full-time.
#MUFC https://t.co/Uip2kRpBVL
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 21, 2026
United were comprehensively beaten by Como, with Nico Paz playing a starring role as the Italian side exposed major weaknesses in Carrick’s team.
The defeat was particularly concerning because United rarely looked capable of turning the game around once they fell behind.
Como ran out 4-1 winners in what became another painful European away night for Man United.
Apology cannot hide the bigger problem
Carrick acknowledging the supporters was the right thing to do. Fans who travel across Europe deserve recognition when they have just watched their team lose so heavily.
But United are reaching the stage where apologies matter far less than solutions.
The biggest concern is not simply one bad Champions League result. United have struggled for consistency throughout the opening months of the campaign, and Carrick has yet to find a tactical formula that gives the team enough control defensively without sacrificing attacking threat.
There are mitigating circumstances. Injuries have badly affected his defensive options, while several important players have either been unavailable or struggling for form.
Even so, losing 4-1 to Como will inevitably raise questions about whether Carrick can turn the situation around.
His relationship with the supporters remains important because of his history with the club, but sentiment can only provide so much protection.
If performances continue in this direction, United’s hierarchy may soon have a much bigger decision to make than Carrick simply saying sorry after another defeat.
Amass and Lacey should have started but Carrick just do not want to play them.sirksee is there only striker but doesn’t play. Carrick is not even guve them a chance
agreed. the midfield is not working. why not give fletcher and the other kids their chance. even tompson can play-we bought him after all. cuna, mbeumo, amad just not good
Resign carrick – out of your depth
disaster from Utd defence hopeless Utd need realy good players I hope not fighting for relegation at the moment it looks that way and Utd need to change the Board I watched Utd team all my life never see worst team like this thank you
I hope someone can get us out of this dungeon. whoever that can be, at the Board level? coaching level? player? I don’t know. it hurts to buy and crave for a bunch of teenagers that end up being sold than trying them in the first Team. GOD help United.
I’m haven’t got a dog in this hunt but I will comment on this as my best friend and entire family love being Man Utd fans, but maybe not so much right now! Carrick isn’t the issue and is here taking flack and doing his level best to help the team he once played for and cares deeply about.
It’s the players who are shameful and clearly not being accountable in their performance levels.Carrick may not be the Coach needed but unless this group stand up and be counted they will be in dire straights for sure! The comment I will leave you with is this, they can’t be good enough in January thru May of 2026 then not able to compete in October of the same year they earn ridiculous wages and never get hammered on like a coach when things don’t go to plan, truly players not backing there coach when he needs it most !
Sad to see 😞and not good enough for the fans!