Como 4-1 Manchester United at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in UEFA Champions League 2026-27

Como defeated Manchester United 4-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Italy in a UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league phase match on 21 October 2026, a result that has placed enormous pressure on United manager Michael Carrick as the team’s poor run continues.

Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist as Como routed Manchester United, with Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also on the scoresheet for the Italian side; Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time. A post from social media read: "Nico Páz, at it again for Como against Man United with two goals and an assist for Douvikas.5 G/A (3 assists, 2 goals) in three UCL games. pic.twitter.com/Oy2MQDBzZi"

Paz opened the scoring just two minutes in at the Sinigaglia and Como moved 4-0 ahead as the match progressed before Zirkzee’s late strike proved to be a mere consolation goal. The four-goal margin left Manchester United significantly behind on the night at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Manchester United became the first English side to concede goals inside the opening two minutes of successive important European matches (1st minute vs Atlético Madrid, 2nd minute against Como). Injuries and suspensions forced Carrick to field a backline including Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt (his first start back) and Noussair Mazraoui, with teenagers such as Harry Amass introduced from the bench.

The report cited tactical issues, saying United’s 4-2-4 pressing style has regularly opened enormous gaps in midfield and enabled opposition to run unnoticed behind the backline. The match was played in pouring rain at the Sinigaglia and the manner of the defeat was described as one of the most humbling under Carrick.

The performance arrived against a backdrop of a six-game losing record for United and considerable criticism of Carrick’s man management; the result has been framed in that context by observers and commentators.

The loss has only put United’s new season’s aspirations down the drain, and Carrick’s future will certainly be discussed by the club’s board.