It is already known to everyone that Manchester United is no longer the same as it was in the years of Sir Ferguson. But what was seen against Como and during these first three months of the season is something terrible. The Red Devils seem to be in a bottomless pit and, in addition to the deep defeat suffered in the Champions League, show that they are completely divided from within. The conflict exists. The exchange of accusations between captain Bruno Fernandes and coach Michael Carrick is more than a warning signal: it is a symptom of the fact that Old Trafford and its surroundings have become a frightening powder keg.
Manchester United's terrible start, crushed by Como
Of course, the composition of the team is not among the best to compete as in the golden times. Neither to win the Premier League nor to advance in the Champions League. But for things to go so badly was difficult to imagine: 7 games and 7 points in the Premier League, a miserable figure, only one win and the risk of falling to the bottom of the standings very close. Elimination from the Carabao Cup against Brighton (from 2-0 to 2-3) and only one win (against Sabah) in three Champions League matches, with losses to Atletico Madrid and debutants Como, who found large spaces in a team separated between the divisions and very poorly positioned on the field. Carrick, who was exceptional last year, when he revived the team and secured third place, is being seriously discussed, despite the temptation to immediately call on the technician Antonio Conte.
Bruno Fernandes attacks Carrick
After the match with Como, which they dominated from start to finish and won 4-1, the controversy erupted with great force. Not on social media or in the English press, which has never spared United, but directly inside the dressing room. Captain Bruno Fernandes harshly attacked coach Carrick. A very strong attack on the coach, whose position is already shaky. Harsh words for “TNT Sport”: “The technical staff decided not to use one-on-one marking, but when you allow teams like this to have a lot of possession of the ball, it is difficult to get it back.”
That would have been enough, but the final blow came later: "The coach and his technical staff should have analysed this, not me. Sometimes you have to be braver under pressure, take risks by applying high pressure and putting the opponent in difficulty."
Carrick responds to the captain, while Conte is in the background
A little later, Michael Carrick appeared, who had immediately become aware of Bruno Fernandes' words and responded in the same way: "Regardless of the system of play or tactics, if you don't run, neither forward nor backward, you don't win." Then Carrick, who as a player won 18 trophies with United, apologized to the fans: "Playing in this way is unacceptable."
The division within the team is real and is now becoming visible outside the dressing room. A dirty fight that is damaging Manchester United, who are wasting another season. In the background is the possibility of another change of coach. It is clear that Carrick does not have the team's trust; Fernandes' attack is too strong. And in the background always remains Antonio Conte, the most mentioned candidate to succeed him, for another impossible mission, because here a club that has been accustomed to disappointing for years would have to be resurrected.
