Carrick said he saw a number of positives in United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the weekend, but the Red Devils failed to build on that somewhat encouraging display out in Italy on Wednesday night.
Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon were also on target for Serie A side Como, who condemned Manchester United to their second Champions League defeat of the season.
Another disappointing loss means Carrick’s side, sitting in the bottom-half of the Premier League, have now won just two of their first 11 games of the 2026/27 campaign.
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler are also among the leading contenders to take over at the Theatre of Dreams, according to bookmakers Betfair.
Following United’s most recent setback, ex-England midfielder Joe Cole said on TNT Sports: ‘It was humbling for them. I said before the game that it’s going to be a real test and it turned out to be more than a test for them.
‘Like I said before, the spotlight will fall on Michael Carrick’s feet, and he is not the problem, believe me. The club’s rot has been there for many many years, and they [the club] need to get out of their own way.
“It was like men against kids”
Dimitar Berbatov on Manchester United’s 4-1 loss against Como 🗣️
‘There are a lot of players in that Manchester United squad who probably are not good enough to play for Manchester United.
‘So when does the criticism come to the director of football? I think it’s fair that you are trying to get rid of players on long-contracts, but if nobody wants them it’s difficult to get rid of them at the right price.’
Meanwhile, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes bemoaned his side’s slow start to the match and the lack of ‘bravery’ on show from his teammates.
‘It’s not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early,’ Fernandes said. ‘Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way.
‘Conceding early makes us go into game with a mood of defeat, 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.’
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a home match against Bournemouth, who beat Sunderland last time out.
