Youri Tielemans has given a stark assessment of Manchester United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, saying the team must improve in every area rather than address one isolated weakness.
The result in Italy increased the pressure on Michael Carrick’s side after a performance marked by a lack of control, intensity and defensive organisation.
Tielemans says Manchester United need to improve everywhere
Asked what United had been missing after the heavy loss, Tielemans replied: “It’s everything, you know…”.
He added: “It’s a combination of everything, whether it’s tactical, technical, effort. But, yeah, we need to try and do better at everything”.
Tielemans’ assessment was also reflected in Manchester United’s post-match coverage, in which he acknowledged that the team had fallen well below the required standard and said the players must accept responsibility.
United were outplayed for long periods by Como and struggled to impose themselves on the game. They were second best in too many individual battles, with neither their organisation nor their work rate allowing them to regain control.
The comments point to a problem that cannot easily be resolved by a change of formation or one or two substitutions. Tactical structure, technical execution and effort levels all fell short during the defeat.
Carrick will face criticism as the manager responsible for the team’s preparation and organisation, but the players also have to answer for their performance. The absence of intensity and basic competitiveness alongside the tactical and technical shortcomings will be a particular concern.
Tielemans’ openness offered no simple explanation for Manchester United’s struggles. Instead, it left Carrick with a much broader challenge as he attempts to improve a side that failed in several fundamental areas against Como.
