Manchester United looked like the side that was playing their first season of Champions League football in their 4-1 defeat to Como, who are in their debut campaign. 

Michael Carrick's side looked lost for ideas for much of the 90 minutes, with the 700 away fans left with nothing but Joshua Zirkzee's late goal to celebrate, by which time most had left the stadium. 

On the final whistle, Carrick rushed over to the remaining away support and apologised for the performance. 

When asked for his thoughts, he said: "There was a lot going through my mind watching that. I always go over to the fans regardless.

"I was one of them, to spend your money and come and hope for something ... I feel for the fans for sure."

Manchester United fans have been hammering the side for their lack of running power this season, with some going back to Rio Ferdinand's pre-season interview with Youri Tielemans, where the Belgian explained much of the work was not running-based. 

Carrick has not seen a problem with it so far, but it appears Como was the final straw for the head coach. 

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Carrick said: "If you don't run forward and you don't run back, you ain't going to win."

A rather comical utterance, but no truer words have been spoken when reflecting on United's performance vs Cesc Fabregas' side. 

Interestingly, before Carrick spoke to the press, Bruno Fernandes explained that it was the tactics not to press Como too intensely. 

"It was the decision of the staff to not go man-for-man," he said. 

Many would answer this question with no, after Manchester United's performance on Wednesday evening, though Jason Wilcox stood firmly by Rúben Amorim during a very difficult period in 2025. 

In truth, the Portuguese head coach may still be in charge had he not talked himself out of a job after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. 

United have just three full days before the visit of Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with at least one likely to be a rest day, given the travel to Italy. 

Perhaps Carrick may be given one more match before being put on the chopping block, though his words in the post-match interview will earn him some respect from the fans. 

"I'm angry, to be honest," he said. "My whole life is wrapped around this. I didn't like what I've seen tonight. I've not given my own position any thought."

You'll do well to find a manager who is as embedded in Manchester United as Michael Carrick is, but that might not be enough for him to keep his job any longer.