Manchester United lost in embarrassing fashion in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, as Cesc Fabregas' Como won 4-1. 

Michael Carrick's side became the first English team to concede goals inside the opening two minutes in consecutive major European matches. 

The 4-2-4 press, which has been unimpressive all season, was scrapped after 45 minutes, with Carrick reverting to the 3-5-2 shape, which he used against Leeds United. 

While that was not the tactical problem Bruno Fernandes spoke about in his post-match press conference, it was certainly something which Carrick got wrong, given Como scored just three minutes into the second half. And netted another two before United replied. 

Manchester United's press was way off on Wednesday evening. Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans led the line – both have previously shown they can press – but seemed unwilling to against Como. 

In his post-match interview, Fernandes revealed this was actually due to tactical instructions given to him before the game. 

"It was the decision of the staff to not go man-for-man," said the Manchester United captain to TNT Sports. 

"Sometimes we have to be more brave when pressing and try to take a risk by getting the press high," he continued to say when asked for his views. 

Como were free to dominate possession, and did so with with 64% in the first half. 

Carrick seemed to make changes at half-time, but they did not have the desired effect he would have been hoping for. In fact, they made things worse, with Como netting just three times in the second period. 

"I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance. That's where it stops. It stops with me," the head coach said after the game. 

With just over 10 minutes left, Carrick looked to Harry Amass to replace Matthijs de Ligt, who made his return to the pitch after 356 days on the sidelines.

Amass has played just 18 minutes before the Champions League tie, but was chosen as the 'answer' at 4-0 down with no time left to play. 

Shea Lacey soon followed his young teammate onto the pitch at 4-0, before Joshua Zirkzee made it 4-1 after a good cross from Amad. 

Youngsters should be protected in situations like this, not flung out and hung to dry. 

Michael Carrick has not received the backing he deserved or needed at Old Trafford, but too many poor decisions have been made. The same mistakes happen every week, and yes, injury plays a factor, but the overall management simply has not been good enough. 

Manchester United return to action on Sunday afternoon to face Bournemouth in the Premier League, but who will be in the home dugout?