Manchester United faced a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League, raising questions about manager Michael Carrick's tactical decisions. The most notable was his choice to deploy Bruno Fernandes as a striker, a move that backfired as the Portuguese midfielder struggled to make an impact.

With Benjamin Sesko sidelined due to injury, Carrick opted to push his captain forward. However, this decision proved detrimental, as Fernandes is more effective in a deeper role where he can control play and create chances. His discomfort became apparent as he frequently dropped back to seek possession, highlighting the mismatch between his skills and the demands of a centre-forward.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle commented on Fernandes’ frustration during the match, noting that he expressed dissatisfaction with teammates not pressing effectively alongside him. Hoddle remarked, "For me, Bruno Fernandes is better when he’s playing deeper... he’s looking at the bench," emphasizing the lack of coordination within the team.

To rectify this tactical misstep, Carrick should restore Fernandes to his natural position as a No. 10. This shift would allow Fernandes to utilize his vision and passing ability more effectively, linking midfield and attack while exploiting gaps in the defense. Alternatively, Bryan Mbeumo could be a viable option up front, having demonstrated versatility and goal-scoring ability.

While the defeat cannot be solely attributed to one tactical decision, it is clear that using Fernandes as a makeshift striker failed to address Manchester United's ongoing attacking issues. Carrick needs to reassess his strategy to maximize the strengths of his key players.