Carrick's job in doubt after Fernandes criticises United tactics in Como rout

Manchester United's Champions League campaign suffered a serious blow on Wednesday night as they were beaten 4-1 by Como, a result that has left manager Michael Carrick's position under genuine threat.

The defeat at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium came in United's third group-stage fixture and means the club have managed only two wins from 11 games across all competitions this season, according to the Guardian. United sit 13th in the Premier League, with Yahoo Sports reporting just one win from seven league outings, and they have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.

Independent Sport described the night as one of United's worst performances in their European history, with the team outrun and outplayed by Cesc Fabregas's side. Nico Paz was the dominant figure, scoring twice and providing an assist as Como ran United ragged, extending the club's winless run in all competitions to seven matches.

Fernandes was withdrawn in the 67th minute, a rare substitution for a player who is almost ever-present for United, with Joshua Zirkzee coming on and scoring a late consolation.

The captain did not hold back when asked about the tactical plan afterwards. Speaking to TNT Sports, Fernandes said: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence."

Carrick, described by the Guardian as "angry" in the aftermath, was forced to defend himself against his captain's public criticism of the approach not to press Fabregas's team man for man. The manager also pointed to his own players, criticising United for failing to run enough during the match.

Asked directly whether he feared for his job, Carrick said: "Listen, I've not given my own position any thought. [My thoughts are] for the supporters – I was one of them watching that and I wasn't happy at all."

Pressed on whether he might walk away from the role following the latest European setback, Carrick replied: "No. It's not about me right now and my feelings in that regard."

According to the Guardian, Carrick's future may now be discussed by director of football Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who holds control over sporting policy at the club, ahead of Bournemouth's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.

That Premier League fixture now carries significant weight for Carrick, with United's results in the competition already leaving them well adrift of their usual positioning and the manager under pressure to arrest a run that has yielded so little across league, cup and continental competition this season.