Como defeats Manchester United 4-1 in Champions League; Carrick's job in doubt

Manchester United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on 21 October 2026, extending their winless run to seven consecutive matches across all competitions. Playing in Italy, United conceded twice in the first half and twice more in the second, with Argentine forward Nico Paz scoring twice and assisting a third goal. The result marks United's worst continental defeat since 1994 and represents a significant setback in their Champions League campaign, with the club now holding only three points from their first three games in the league phase.

The match exposed fundamental defensive and midfield vulnerabilities in Carrick's side. United fell behind after just two minutes when Paz finished into the top corner, finding space after Harry Maguire failed to close him down quickly. Tasos Douvikas extended Como's lead to 2-0 early in the second half after running past Matthijs de Ligt, who was making his first start in 325 days following a back injury. Paz added a third goal at the 57-minute mark, at which point the contest was effectively decided. Jacobo Ramon headed in a fourth for Como at the 76-minute mark before Joshua Zirkzee scored a consolation goal in injury time.

Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas in their Champions League debut season, demonstrated superior intensity and tactical discipline throughout. United's midfield proved static and disorganized, with players failing to track Como's runners effectively. Bruno Fernandes, United's captain, was notably ineffective and has now recorded just one goal involvement in his past nine appearances for the club.

Manager Michael Carrick accepted responsibility for the performance in his post-match remarks, stating the defeat was "unacceptable" and acknowledging failures in motivation and intensity. "I'll take responsibility for the overall team and performance, it stops with me," he said. Carrick also apologized to supporters who travelled to Italy in poor weather conditions. Despite his acceptance of responsibility, reports indicate his job security is now in question, with analyst Dimitar Berbatov suggesting Carrick may not remain in the position by the club's next match against Bournemouth on 25 October.