Como v Manchester United Champions League tie at risk as heavy rain batters Lombardy

On Wednesday, Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Lombardy is at risk of being postponed after heavy rain arrived on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday morning.

Como's locality has been placed under an orange alert for rain, described in the alert as a stern warning of dangerous weather and a request to be vigilant; the pitch has been heavily soaked and PA reported 64mm of rain is expected before kick-off. Only one of the stadium's four stands is covered, supporters were warned to prepare for a wet evening, and there is an added risk of lightning, though Como have expressed confidence the pitch will hold up and avoid a delay.

Manchester United have flown to continental Europe for their third Champions League game of the season but face major uncertainty over whether the match will go ahead. Coach Michael Carrick downplayed the weather in the build-up, saying: “No, nothing immediate from me, we’re used to the rain,” he said. “We’ll make the most of it!” The club have won only two games this season across all competitions, the squad information released during the trip showed.

Como are managed by former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas and the club have been described as a side on the up; their squad includes former Manchester United player Willy Kambwala. Those details were noted in previews of the fixture as interest grew around the potential postponement.

United practised on Tuesday without six players, a situation that could influence selection for the match; the absentees named were Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu. The club statement on training did not link the absences to the weather.

In Champions League terms, Manchester United have won one and lost one in their opening two group games this season, a record cited in coverage of the trip to Italy. That form places additional scrutiny on their ability to collect points in this third group fixture if it proceeds as scheduled.

Como remain confident the match will take place, but the orange alert and forecast of heavy rain leave the scheduled kick-off at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in doubt pending conditions on match day.