The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in some ways the photos of Michael Carrick on the pitch in Como may tell you more than a match report ever could.

United have had many a night to forget in recent seasons, but a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League goes down as one of the worst in living memory.

In fact the Italian minnows, taking part in Europe’s premier competition for the first time, put United to the sword in a second-half performance that could well cost Carrick his job.

Michael Carrick endured another tough evening as Man United boss (Reuters)

And held his hands up in apology to United fans at the end of the match (PA)

The fact that Cesc Fabregas – a man who has been touted as Carrick’s successor – delivered this chastening defeat is all the more intriguing.

United conceded within 47 seconds in a dispiriting defeat to Atletico Madrid last week and they just about managed better on the shores of Lake Como, although barely...

Man of the match Nico Paz curled in a…