Carrick apologises to Manchester United fans after 'unacceptable' 4-1 defeat at Como

Carrick takes responsibility for 'unacceptable' Como display

Michael Carrick was not best pleased with what he saw from his Manchester United players during their 4-1 defeat away to Como in the Champions League on Tuesday night, calling the performance 'unacceptable' but insisting he would accept the blame.

Goals from Nico Paz (two), Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón sent Como 4-0 up at the Stadio Sinigaglia. Former Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee pulled a late consolation back in injury time.

Carrick said his side had been bettered in possession, passes made and completed, pass accuracy, shots and shots on target. When he spoke before kick-off, he had said he wanted his players to take control of the game.

"It was more than disappointing," the United head coach said after the full-time whistle. "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."

Apology to the travelling fans

Carrick apologised in front of the Manchester United supporters who stayed behind at the stadium. Many of them had already packed up and left when the score reached 4-0.

"I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters," said Carrick. "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."

Questions over board backing

Carrick was also asked whether he felt he had the backing of the Manchester United board. He sidestepped the question, saying: "It's not about me. It's about digesting the game and how it went. That is the most important thing right now."