Fernandes questions United pressing after Como defeat

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticized the team’s pressing approach after its 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, saying the coaching staff had chosen not to press man-to-man and that the side needed to take more risks higher up the pitch. Como scored in the opening minutes and led 3-0 before the hour mark. Nico Paz scored twice, with Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also finding the net. Joshua Zirkzee scored Manchester United’s consolation goal in the 90th minute. Fernandes was substituted after 67 minutes, with United already three goals behind. In post-match comments, Fernandes said the decision to wait for Como to bring the ball forward gave the Italian side time and confidence. He argued United should sometimes press higher and make opponents uncomfortable, noting that Como’s centre-back had followed him into his own half. Fernandes said the team had been unable to adopt that approach collectively. Asked whether he was blaming manager Michael Carrick for the tactics, Fernandes said that was for the manager and staff to assess. He also described United’s start as poor, saying the early goal left the team in a difficult frame of mind. His remarks were...