Nico Paz scored twice and created another goal as Cesc Fàbregas’ Italian side overwhelmed Manchester United, extending Michael Carrick’s winless streak to seven matches.
Manchester United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, leaving manager Michael Carrick under mounting pressure. The Italian club delivered one of the biggest victories in its history at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with Argentine midfielder Nico Paz scoring twice and providing an assist.
Como took the lead after just two minutes and never allowed United to recover. Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón added second-half goals before substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for the visitors.
The result extended Manchester United’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions. It was also the club’s heaviest European defeat since 1994, adding to concerns about its disappointing start to the season.
Carrick accepted responsibility for the performance and apologized to supporters who traveled to northern Italy. Captain Bruno Fernandes also questioned his team’s tactical approach, particularly its inability to press Como effectively.
For Cesc Fàbregas and his players, the victory demonstrated how far Como has progressed since establishing itself in Italy’s top division. The result moved the club to six points after three Champions League matches.
Nico Paz Gives Como a Dream Start
Manchester United had an opportunity to take an early lead when defender Diogo Dalot found himself in a promising attacking position. However, he failed to control the ball cleanly and sent his eventual effort wide.
Como punished that missed chance almost immediately. Paz collected possession and curled a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the second minute, giving the home supporters an early reason to celebrate.
The goal established the pattern for much of the evening. Como moved the ball confidently through midfield while United struggled to disrupt its passing combinations.
Paz was particularly influential, repeatedly finding space between United’s defensive and midfield lines. His movement created problems for a visiting team that appeared uncertain about when to press and when to retreat.
Fàbregas’ players demonstrated confidence despite facing one of England’s most recognizable clubs. They used quick passing and intelligent positioning to prevent United from establishing sustained control.
United attempted to respond through Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, but its attacking moves rarely developed into clear scoring opportunities. Como maintained its advantage through the remainder of the first half.
The hosts entered halftime leading 1-0, although the score did not fully reflect their control of the contest.
Three Second-Half Goals Seal United’s Defeat
Carrick made two substitutions at halftime, replacing Matheus Cunha and Diego León Santos with Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba. The changes were intended to give United greater energy and improve its ability to compete in midfield.
Instead, Como doubled its lead just four minutes after the restart. A rapid passing move involving Lucas Da Cunha, Martin Baturina and Paz opened United’s defense.
Paz delivered the decisive pass to Douvikas, who finished powerfully past Lammens in the 49th minute. The goal increased the pressure on United and gave Como a commanding advantage.
Eight minutes later, Paz struck again.
The Argentine midfielder won possession near the touchline, advanced into the penalty area and guided a left-footed shot into the far corner. His second goal made it 3-0 after 57 minutes and effectively settled the contest.
United continued searching for a response, but Como remained dangerous whenever it attacked. Paz nearly completed a hat-trick with another effort that Lammens managed to save.
The fourth goal arrived in the 76th minute when Ramón met a cross from substitute Kaiki Bruno. The central defender powered a close-range header beyond Lammens, completing an outstanding attacking performance by the Italian side.
United finally scored in stoppage time. Amad delivered a cross that Zirkzee controlled before sending the ball through goalkeeper Jean Butez’s legs.
A video assistant referee review confirmed the goal, but it did little to change the significance of the result. Como finished with a convincing 4-1 victory and three valuable Champions League points.
Fernandes Questions United’s Approach
After the match, Fernandes expressed frustration with United’s inability to disrupt Como’s rhythm. The captain suggested that the team had not been aggressive enough when pressing its opponents.
According to Reuters, Fernandes believed United’s approach allowed Como to gain confidence and control the game. He argued that the team needed to take greater risks rather than allowing the opposition to dictate possession.
His comments drew attention because they appeared to challenge aspects of United’s tactical strategy. Although Fernandes acknowledged that coaching decisions belonged to the manager, he emphasized that the players needed a more assertive approach.
Carrick responded by explaining that United had attempted to press higher during the second half. However, he noted that Como had still created opportunities and scored when United tried to apply pressure.
The manager accepted responsibility for the defeat and acknowledged the disappointment experienced by supporters. His comments reflected the seriousness of a performance that left United struggling to compete with its opponents.
The disagreement over pressing highlighted a broader problem. United was repeatedly caught between defending deep and moving forward to challenge Como’s midfield.
That uncertainty created spaces for Paz and his teammates to exploit. Como’s players moved confidently through those openings, particularly during the decisive stages of the second half.
Carrick Faces Increasing Pressure
The defeat was another setback for Carrick, whose position has come under greater scrutiny during United’s poor run of results. The team has now gone seven consecutive matches without a victory in all competitions.
United began its Champions League campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah in September. However, its European performances have deteriorated since that opening success.
A 2-0 defeat against Atlético de Madrid on October 13 exposed problems before the trip to Como. Wednesday’s result was even more damaging because of the scale of the defeat and the manner in which United conceded goals.
The club now has three points from its opening three league-phase matches. That leaves little room for repeated mistakes if it hopes to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Carrick’s difficulties have also been complicated by injuries and player availability. United entered the Como match without several members of its squad, including Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw.
Defender Leny Yoro was unavailable because of suspension, while Marcus Rashford was also absent. The shortages forced Carrick to make changes to his lineup.
One positive development was the return of Matthijs de Ligt after an extended absence caused by back problems. The Dutch defender played 79 minutes in his first appearance for approximately 11 months.
However, his return could not prevent United from conceding four goals. The defensive problems were particularly evident when Como attacked quickly through midfield.
Como’s Rise Under Cesc Fàbregas
For Como, Wednesday’s victory represented another major achievement under Fàbregas. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has helped develop the Italian club into an increasingly competitive side.
The team has attracted attention for its possession-based football, technical players and ambitious approach. Against United, those qualities were evident throughout the match.
Paz was the standout performer, contributing two goals and an assist. The 22-year-old Argentine demonstrated his ability to create chances, finish attacks and influence the match from advanced midfield positions.
His performance was especially impressive because it came against an experienced European opponent. He repeatedly exploited gaps in United’s defensive structure and played a direct role in three of Como’s four goals.
Douvikas also made an important contribution with his second-half finish. The Greek forward has scored three goals in the competition, providing Como with an effective attacking option.
Defender Ramón added another dimension by scoring from a cross late in the match. His header demonstrated Como’s ability to threaten opponents through different attacking situations.
The victory continued an encouraging Champions League campaign for the Italian club. Como opened the league phase with a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig before losing 3-2 against Feyenoord.
Its victory over United lifted the club to six points after three matches. More importantly, it reinforced the belief that Como can compete against established European opponents.
United Must Respond in Domestic and European Competition
Manchester United faces Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 25, in its next Premier League fixture. The match will provide Carrick with an immediate opportunity to seek a response from his players.
United’s next Champions League opponent is Roma, presenting another demanding test for a team struggling to produce consistent performances.
The competition’s league phase includes 36 clubs, each playing eight matches. Teams finishing in the top eight advance directly to the round of 16, while those placed ninth through 24th enter knockout phase playoffs.
United remains capable of improving its position, but its opening results have made the remaining fixtures increasingly important. The team must address both its defensive weaknesses and its inability to maintain attacking pressure.
For Como, the immediate focus shifts to its Serie A match against Sassuolo on October 24. Fàbregas will be seeking to maintain the momentum created by Wednesday’s European victory.
The 4-1 result gave Como a memorable evening at Stadio Sinigaglia and left Manchester United confronting another difficult chapter in its season. Carrick’s next matches will be closely watched as he attempts to restore confidence and improve the team’s results.
IMAGE: Manchester United v Hull City (2-0), EFL Cup, Old Trafford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, January 2017. Photo: Ardfern / Wikimedia, taken 2017-01-10, CC BY-SA 4.0