Manchester United suffered their worst defeat in continental football since 1994 after being comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Champions League debutants Como. The result places mounting pressure on manager Michael Carrick following a dismal start to the campaign.
Como Takes Control at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Playing in front of a sell-out crowd of 13,602 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Cesc Fàbregas’s side dominated the three-time European champions. Nico Paz opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, curling past Senne Lammens. This marked the second consecutive major European fixture in which United conceded inside the opening two minutes, following their defeat to Atlético Madrid.
United struggled to establish any rhythm, despite Diogo Dalot spurning an early chance before the hosts took the lead. The visitors deployed a lineup featuring Bruno Fernandes in a false-nine role, alongside midfielders Mason Mount and Andrey Santos. However, Como controlled possession and regularly breached United’s defense, while the English side’s press lacked cohesion.
Second-Half Collapse Seals Heavy Defeat
Carrick introduced Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo at halftime, replacing Matheus Cunha and Santos in a tactical reshuffle. Despite the changes, Como doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart when Paz picked out Tasos Douvikas, who powered a shot past Lammens.
Paz added his second of the night shortly after to make it 3-0, slicing through the United defense once more. Jacobo Ramón completed Como’s scoring in the 76th minute by heading in a cross from Kaiki Bruno. Josh Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal for United in stoppage time, but traveling fans had already begun leaving the stadium.
Manchester United return to action on Sunday when they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Source: Football | The Guardian
