Manchester United sit 13th in the Premier League, with just one win in seven games, as they prepare to face AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. 

Michael Carrick's side will hope to bounce back from the devastating 4-1 defeat in Italy on Wednesday night, in which they were embarrassed by Cesc Fabregas' Como side. 

After the game, Bruno Fernandes questioned Carrick's tactics, saying: "It was the decision of the staff to not go man-for-man. When he feels the system should have been more "brave when pressing". 

Carrick took full responsibility for the performance, but Senne Lammens has since defended his manager, even claiming that Manchester United are playing better this season than last. 

"Last season I felt like playing-wise maybe we played better this season, but last season everything just clicked and went the right way for us," Lammens told Danyal Khan of Sky Sports. 

The Belgian reveals that while Manchester United were getting good results, there were some shortcomings in their play, like when they were pressed during build-up play. 

"We struggled as a team together when they pressed us, but we didn't concede that many goals," he said. 

"We did really well, but you also know, I think everybody knew that we had to improve as well from that & that teams were going to change the way they played against us, so that's why we had to evolve this season." 

It's safe to say the evolution is not going as planned at the moment, but the 24-year-old has also shared that the first-team squad are doing everything they can to turn the form around. 

"Trust me, we are trying harder every day and trying to come up with a solution, but sometimes when it's not going your way, everything falls into place for the other team.”

Perhaps Bournemouth will be the true test of that statement. The Cherries scored first in their opening three Premier League games this season, but failed to win any. Form has improved recently, but if luck is to change, Sunday could be the time. 

As Lammens said, it is not as simple as flicking a switch and suddenly everything being OK. And even if Manchester United are trying, something still needs to change. 

Most fans are sick and tired of managerial changes, but that does not mean Michael Carrick cannot improve. 

His 4-2-4 pressing shape has not worked this term, with the front four easily bypassed and the midfield subsequently overrun. 

The decision to bring Harry Amass and Shea Lacey on at 4-0 in the pouring rain was also a poor one, especially considering how little they have played this term. 

But if Carrick can change the shape to something more rigid – like the 4-2-3-1 last season – and play the people he trusts, his Old Trafford tenure may not be over just yet. 

His biggest selection dilemmas will be whether to drop Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes or grant them another chance. Fernandes called out Carrick publicly, while Cunha argued with him at half-time. 

Any decision he makes will be a bold call, but he has to be firm with his choice.