Seven without a win: Manchester United's Como humiliation piles the pressure on Michael Carrick

Manchester United's season has hit a new low. A 4-1 defeat at Como on Wednesday night extended their winless run to seven games in all competitions — their longest since an eight-match run in November and December 2015 — and left Michael Carrick facing the toughest questions of his time in charge.

The match

Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, scored inside two minutes through Nico Paz. Anastasios Douvikas added a second early in the second half, Paz scored again after a mistake by substitute Carlos Baleba, and Jacobo Ramón completed the scoring. Joshua Zirkzee's goal in stoppage time was the only reply. Paz was named player of the match. See every result in our matchday 3 roundup.

The numbers

• 2 wins in 11 games in all competitions this season.
• 7 games without a win, the club's longest run since 2015.
• 13th in the Premier League, with 7 points from 7 games.
• 3 points from three Champions League games, after defeats at Atlético Madrid and Como.

Bruno Fernandes speaks out

United's captain was unusually blunt afterwards. "Conceding early makes us go into game with a mood of defeat," he said, adding that it had been "a decision from the staff to not press man to man". Asked whether Carrick had got the tactics wrong, he replied: "That's on the manager and staff to see, not me." He added: "Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high."

Carrick's response

Carrick apologised to supporters for an "unacceptable" performance, and when asked about his future he insisted the focus should not be on him. "It's not about me, in the relationship. It's about what we all give," he said. He said he was giving "my absolute best", and defended his approach in part, saying United "half pressed man-to-man in the second half and ended up conceding a goal from that."

How did it come to this?

Carrick was appointed in January 2026 and kept the job into this season. United spent about £148m in the summer, bringing in players including Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, but the team has struggled for consistency. They have drawn four of their seven league games, and late goals — such as Dominic Solanke's stoppage-time equaliser for Tottenham at Old Trafford — have cost them points.

What's next

United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday 25 October. Bournemouth won their first league game of the season last weekend. With eight clubs separated by three points between 13th and 20th, a defeat could drag United towards the bottom three. Follow it on our scores page and the Premier League table.

FAQ

What was the score in Como vs Manchester United? Como won 4-1 on 21 October 2026.

How many games have Manchester United gone without a win? Seven in all competitions, their longest run since 2015.

Who is Manchester United's manager? Michael Carrick, appointed in January 2026.