Bruno Fernandes explains Manchester United's 4-1 loss to Como

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes expressed that his side lacked belief after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat in the UEFA Champions League against Como on October 21, 2026. The team fell behind just two minutes into the match and struggled to recover, extending their winless streak to seven games.

"We started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early," Fernandes said to TNT Sports. He pointed out that there was not enough pressure on the ball, poor movement with the ball, and several aspects not going their way.

The Portugal midfielder noted that Nico Paz’s early goal had a detrimental effect on the team, making it difficult for them to assert themselves. Paz scored again after Tasos Douvikas had doubled the lead, and Jacobo Ramon added a fourth goal. Only a stoppage-time goal from Joshua Zirkzee prevented United from experiencing their joint-heaviest loss in the Champions League.

"Conceding early makes us go into the game with a mood of defeat," said Fernandes. "It’s difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen. If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation."

Fernandes also critiqued United’s passive approach without the ball, stating that Como was given too much time and space to control the game. When asked if his comments were a critique of manager Michael Carrick's tactics, Fernandes refrained from blaming his coach, responding, "That’s on the manager and staff to see, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."