Manchester United faced a disheartening 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League, leading to a public disagreement between captain Bruno Fernandes and head coach Michael Carrick over the team's tactics. The clash raises the question: who was right?

Fernandes voiced concerns that the team allowed Como excessive time and space, attributing this to the coaching staff's decision against a man-to-man press. This revelation is significant, considering United's recent performances where their pressing strategy has often backfired. Notably, Como completed 600 passes, more than any other team against United this season, highlighting a glaring defensive issue.

Key observations include:

• The last three games with the most passes completed against United came from Como, Atletico Madrid, and Leeds.
• Despite a seven-match winless streak, there were signs of improvement against Leeds and Atletico, unlike the dismal display in Italy.

Carrick countered Fernandes' remarks by indicating that the team's half-hearted pressing contributed to the loss. Notably, the second goal conceded came after a lackluster defensive shape, exposing gaps that Como exploited effortlessly.

Furthermore, the lack of effort from United players was evident. For both the second and fourth goals, players like Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, and Bryan Mbeumo failed to track back, leading to critical scoring opportunities for Como.

In conclusion, both tactics and effort seem to be at the heart of United's struggles. If Carrick aims to implement a successful man-to-man pressing strategy, he must select players suited for that role while fostering a stronger work ethic among the squad.