Como delivered a stunning performance to defeat Manchester United 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, piling further pressure on manager Michael Carrick after a disappointing night for the English side in Italy.
At the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Nico Paz inspired Como with two goals, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also found the net. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for Manchester United, but his effort did little to soften the impact of a comprehensive defeat.
Nico Paz Gives Como an Early Lead
Manchester United had an early opportunity to take control when Diogo Dalot found himself in a promising position, but the defender failed to make the most of his chance.
Como responded almost immediately. In the second minute, Nico Paz found space inside the United penalty area,Nico Paz shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a superb finish into the far corner to put the hosts ahead.
Nico Paz goal exposed United’s defensive weaknesses and gave Como the confidence to dictate the tempo. The Italian side continued to create problems, while United struggled to establish a consistent attacking rhythm before the break.
Despite Como’s dominance, United went into half-time trailing by just one goal, leaving Carrick with the opportunity to reorganise his team.
Douvikas and Nico Paz Extend Como’s Advantage
Manchester United’s hopes of a second-half comeback quickly faded.
In the 49th minute, Nico Paz produced an incisive pass to release Anastasios Douvikas, who escaped Matthijs de Ligt before finishing confidently to double Como’s lead.
United struggled to recover from the setback. Their defensive organisation deteriorated further, and another costly mistake allowed Como to extend their advantage.
In the 57th minute, Paz struck again, cutting inside from the right before finishing into the far corner. His second goal of the evening made it 3-0 and underlined his influence on the contest.
Como continued to exploit the spaces United left behind, moving the ball confidently and creating further opportunities against a defence that appeared increasingly vulnerable.
Jacobo Ramón Makes It Four
Como’s dominance was rewarded with a fourth goal in the 76th minute.
After another well-worked attacking move, Kaiki delivered a cross that found Jacobo Ramón, who headed home to make it 4-0.
The goal brought United closer to one of their heaviest-ever defeats in the competition. Their performance lacked the defensive discipline and attacking sharpness needed to compete with a well-organised Como side.
For Como manager Cesc Fàbregas, the result represented a statement performance against one of European football’s most recognisable clubs.
Zirkzee Scores a Late Consolation
Manchester United eventually found the net in stoppage time.
In the 90+1st minute, Amad Diallo delivered a chipped pass into the penalty area, allowing Joshua Zirkzee to bring the ball under control before calmly finishing.
The goal reduced the deficit to 4-1, but it came too late to change the outcome.
Although Zirkzee prevented United from suffering an even heavier defeat, the late strike could not disguise their struggles throughout the match.
What the Result Means for Manchester United
As Manchester United remain winless in their last seven games,the defeat raises further questions about Manchester United’s defensive organisation, midfield control and attacking approach under Michael Carrick.
United struggled to create clear chances, while Como repeatedly found space to attack. Their inability to respond effectively after conceding twice in the second half proved particularly costly.
Carrick will need to address these weaknesses quickly as United look to recover in their remaining European fixtures.
For Como, the victory provides a significant boost and demonstrates their ability to compete against a major European opponent.
Full-time: Como 4-1 Manchester United.
