(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick and Matheus Cunha reportedly clashed heads at the interval of Manchester United’s clash with Como on Wednesday evening.
By the time the referee blew for half-time, United were trailing by two goals and had offered little to nothing in attack.
Carrick and Cunha clash during Como loss
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Samuel Luckhurst spotted Carrick and Cunha having a ‘robust exchange of views’ in the closing stages of the first half, and reports are now suggesting it carried on into the dressing room.
One Red Devils insider has revealed (via UtdDistrict) that ‘heated words’ were said between the pair after the attacker was informed he was being substituted, while the manager ‘wasn’t happy with Cunha’s performance’.
Amad Diallo replaced Cunha when the teams emerged from the tunnel, and he went on to be United’s brightest spark in an otherwise calamitous display from the rest of the squad.
Michael Carrick ignores every single Manchester United player as he goes to the away end to apologise at full-time. Then marches straight down the tunnel. He looks furious #mufc pic.twitter.com/2a5JtoshaD — Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) October 21, 2026
It remains to be seen if the Brazilian will retain his starting spot for Sunday’s Premier League contest at home to Bournemouth.
Carrick on thin ice after establishing seven-match winless run
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, at half time during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Como, Italy.
Meanwhile, the game could well mark Carrick’s final outing in the dugout.
Although United told the media it was ‘business as usual’ in the lead-up to matchday eight, club chiefs are reportedly scouring the market for possible replacements in the event they decide to relieve the former midfielder of his duties.
"I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance. That's where it stops. It stops with me." Michael Carrick reacts to Manchester United's "unacceptable" display against Como. 🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt 📺 Stream on TNT Sports & HBO Max: https://t.co/fRCRh6tXYB pic.twitter.com/agXYEERLGq — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 21, 2026
Three names who are said to be eyeing the potential managerial vacancy are Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann, with INEOS favouring the Englishman, who departed Newcastle United in the summer.
It’s certainly an appointment that the Old Trafford faithful would struggle to rally behind.
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Manchester United coach Michael Carrick looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Como, Italy.
Michael Carrick on the sidelines
Travelling supporter forced to jump into Lake Como after what Man Utd star did on Wednesday Oct 22 2026, 14:23