Manchester United endured a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, going a seventh game without a win and piling further pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
United was looking to put an end to a six game run without a win in the competition however Fàbregas’ side came flying out the traps. United had their backs to the wall just two minutes in as veteran Nico Paz made a fine curling shot, leaving Senne Lammens little chance.
As added a third goal in the second half, this time via Paz, to complete their attacking feast. Late consolation for United in stoppage time, but the goal did little to alter the course of a disappointing night for the visitors.
Defensive woes return to haunt United again as they concede at least once in 10 of their 11 games in the 2026-27 season, starting in the league and leagues cup. Matthijs de Ligt once again restored to the starting XI having not played since November 2025, but he and Harry Maguire suffered as Como exploited the gaps behind the defensive line.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui struggled, too, and the loss of the injured Luke Shaw at left-back further exposed United at the back.
There was no midfield nous about, though, as Andrey Santos and Mason Mount were almost constantly chasing Como’s passes and movement, and Mount was the first player to be sacrificed at the break when summer signing Carlos Baleba replaced him, with United still unable to boss midfield.
Paz was at it again early in the second half, as he continued to break down United’s rearguard and help Como make it three. Baleba was booked before allowing the teenager to make it three.
United failed to get any openings and registered no shots on goal and just six touches in the final third in the first period. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo had failed to threaten until Amad Diallo and Zirkzee appeared off the bench.
United had only managed four shots on target and one big chance by the time the game was at least half way through.
Carrick had said before the game that he still had support from the club’s hierarchy, while recognizing the need for wins.
“I understand that we have to win games in football for everything to be everything,” he said.
His showing on Wednesday, though, led to more questions as to whether he would be able to rescue United’s campaign.
