Michael Carrick has apologized to Manchester United supporters after the Reds suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League, describing the performance as unacceptable and insisting everyone at the club must take responsibility.
United endured a miserable evening in northern Italy on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, producing a display that left their manager searching for answers after the team failed to build on its previous outing against Leeds.
Carrick did not attempt to hide behind excuses after the final whistle. Instead, the former United midfielder accepted responsibility for the collective failure while making it clear that the performance fell well below the standards expected at Old Trafford.
“It was more than disappointing. I think everybody has got to take responsibility for that. I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance – that’s where it stops. It stops with me and I’m absolutely fine with that. I accept that totally. But as a supporter of this football club for so long, to see a performance like that is unacceptable, I have to say.”
The United boss also acknowledged the disappointment of travelling supporters who made the trip to Italy to watch their team. Carrick said the fans deserved far better and stressed that their commitment to the club made the defeat even harder to accept.
“I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters. They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be. For them to travel, I had to apologise for the performance. To have to watch a performance like that, I totally feel for them. There are no excuses at all. It is not acceptable. It’s not about me. It’s about digesting the game and how it went. That is the most important thing right now.”
Carrick admitted United had failed both individually and collectively, despite creating an early opportunity through Diogo Dalot. The Reds were unable to build on that promising moment, allowing Como to take control as the visitors struggled to impose themselves on the contest.
The manager was particularly disappointed that his players failed to carry their momentum from the Leeds game into their Champions League assignment.
“It was nowhere near good enough in so many ways. We didn’t deserve to get anything from the game. We actually started and had a chance with Diogo [Dalot] and created that, and then pretty much after that, we didn’t do enough in the game. In terms of individually, collectively, we just weren’t there. We wanted to build on Leeds and we did pretty much the complete opposite. So, I just apologise to the supporters. I went over at the end to apologise because they pay so much and they care so much. I care about this club as much as anybody. I found it hard watching that tonight, I have to say, so I feel for them tonight, especially.”
The former England international also gave Como credit for their performance but insisted United’s lack of intensity, aggression and discipline played a major role in the heavy defeat.
Carrick pointed to the team’s failure to meet the basic demands of the game, suggesting the problems went beyond tactical execution.
“They [Como] were good. Credit to them. They were a good team and we just weren’t there. Whether it was the motivation, whether it was the aggression, whether it was the intensity, whether it was the discipline, whether it was the willingness to work hard, we just weren’t there. It was as simple as that.”
There was, however, a positive moment for United in the return of Matthijs de Ligt, who made his way back onto the pitch after an extended period without regular football.
Carrick explained that the club had been careful not to expose the defender to unnecessary risks, even though the player was reluctant to leave the action.
“I think it’s a big night for him to get back on the football pitch and he didn’t really want to come off by that stage. We didn’t want to take any more risk with him and it wouldn’t have been right for us to try and leave him on. He hasn’t played a lot of football at all, but for him to get on the football pitch, it’s a big moment and I’m really pleased for him.”
For Carrick and Manchester United, the priority now is to confront the shortcomings exposed in Italy and respond on the pitch. His apology may acknowledge the supporters’ frustration, but only a significant improvement in performance will begin to repair the damage caused by a defeat he has openly admitted was nowhere near acceptable.
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