Manchester United’s troubles deepened on Wednesday night. A 4-1 defeat by Como left the team without a win in seven matches. Captain Bruno Fernandes said belief had been lost. An early goal had left United struggling to recover.

“We started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early,” Fernandes told TNT Sports.

“Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way.”

The defeat was suffered in Italy. United were outplayed and rarely looked in control. Only a late goal by Joshua Zirkzee reduced the margin.

An Early Blow

Como’s breakthrough came in the second minute. Nico Paz found the net and set the tone for the night. United struggled to respond. Their pressing was limited, while space was repeatedly offered to the hosts.

Fernandes said the early setback had damaged the team’s mindset.

“Conceding early makes us go into the game with a mood of defeat,” he said.

He added that it was difficult to recover. More courage was needed, he said, along with better possession and movement. Without those improvements, Fernandes warned, it would be hard for United to escape their poor run.

Como Take Control

The hosts’ lead was doubled after the break. Tasos Douvikas scored in the 49th minute, with Paz adding his second eight minutes later. The damage continued in the 76th minute. Jacobo Ramón headed in Como’s fourth goal.

Zirkzee scored in stoppage time. The strike offered little comfort after a night dominated by the Italian side. United have now gone seven games without a win across all competitions. The run has increased scrutiny of manager Michael Carrick and his methods.

Fernandes Raises Questions

Fernandes also questioned the team’s approach without the ball. Too much time and space had been allowed to Como, he said. The midfielder suggested that a more aggressive press could have disrupted the hosts.

“Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure,” he said. United needed to take risks, press higher and make their opponents uncomfortable.

When asked whether his remarks were aimed at Carrick’s tactics, Fernandes avoided placing blame directly on his manager.

“That’s on the manager and staff to see, not me,” he said.

His comments nevertheless raised questions about the instructions being given to the players.

Carrick Accepts Responsibility

Carrick acknowledged that United’s performance had fallen well below expectations. He accepted responsibility for the team’s display and apologised to supporters.

Speaking after the match, he described the performance as “unacceptable”. He also said the required intensity and purpose had not been shown. The manager’s response offered little relief from the pressure facing United. The club must now address both its results and the weaknesses exposed in Como.

United have three points from their first three Champions League matches. Their next European fixture is against AS Roma.

For Fernandes, the immediate challenge is clear. United must find a way to respond when setbacks arrive, rather than allowing one early goal to shape an entire match.