The visitors were on the back foot almost immediately, conceding a goal in just the second minute. That early setback set the tone for a disjointed performance, with United failing to find any rhythm or defensive stability throughout the contest. Fernandes, speaking after the final whistle, admitted that the team struggled to recover from the initial blow, which he felt drained the side of the necessary confidence to compete at this level.
Fernandes Highlights Lack of Belief and Passive Approach
Reflecting on the heavy loss, the Portuguese midfielder noted that the early goal created an atmosphere of resignation within the squad. According to Fernandes, the team failed to apply sufficient pressure on the ball and lacked the movement required to challenge their opponents effectively. He candidly described the feeling within the group as entering the match with a mood of defeat, which made it increasingly difficult to regain composure or dictate the tempo of the game.
The match saw Como dominate proceedings, with Nico Paz netting twice, while Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also found the back of the net to secure a commanding lead. United’s only consolation came in stoppage time through a goal from Joshua Zirkzee, which prevented the result from becoming the club's joint-heaviest defeat in Champions League history.
When pressed on the tactical setup, Fernandes stopped short of directly criticising the management, though he did suggest that the players need to show more courage when out of possession. He emphasised that the team must be willing to take risks, press higher up the pitch, and make opponents uncomfortable, rather than allowing them the time and space to control the game. As the winless streak continues, the captain acknowledged that the squad must find a way to navigate these challenges, noting that if they cannot perform with greater bravery, the current situation will remain difficult to resolve.
