Como Stuns Manchester United 4-1 in Champions League Upset; Michael Carrick Under Fire

Serie A side Como achieved the most significant victory in their history by decisively defeating Manchester United 4-1 in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday night. Cesc Fabregas's team, making their debut in the tournament, delivered a sensational performance, asserting dominance over the three-time European champions throughout the match. Argentine forward Nico Paz was instrumental, scoring twice and providing an assist, earning him man-of-the-match honors. Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also contributed goals for Como. Manchester United's late consolation came from substitute Joshua Zirkzee. The night proved dismal for United manager Michael Carrick, who now faces intense scrutiny after a seven-match winless streak, their longest since 2015. Furthermore, Manchester United became the first English team to concede within the opening two minutes of consecutive major European games. Como now sits on six points after winning two and losing one of their first three Champions League fixtures, while United remains on three points, having not secured a victory in any competition since defeating Sabah FK on September 10.

Manager and Captain Reactions:

Como boss Cesc Fabregas commented, “It's a special night, but we are still at the beginning for everything we have in our minds. The team played well this evening, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and remember there is another match coming up on Saturday.”

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes stated, “It's not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early. Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way. Conceding early makes us go into game with a mood of defeat, it's difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen. If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation. It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, wait for them, but sometimes when you give space to these teams they get confidence.”

Como Player Ratings:

• Jean Butez – 7/10: Limited action in the first half, with his first save coming in the 65th minute. Conceded late on to Zirkzee.
• Yan Couto – 8/10: Energetic performance, providing a key pass for Douvikas's chance.
• Marc-Oliver Kempf – 8/10: Solid in defense, a key component of Como's organized backline. Received a late booking.
• Jacobo Ramon – 8/10: Scored Como's fourth goal and was defensively strong.
• Alex Valle – 8/10: Excellent defensively and contributed offensively from left-back.
• Luis Milla – 8/10: Dominated the midfield, showcasing strong tactical discipline from Fabregas's side.
• Maximo Perrone – 8/10: Contributed to Como's possession dominance with precise passing.
• Lucas Da Cunha – 8/10: Earned an assist for the first goal and was involved in the build-up for the second.
• Nico Paz – 9/10: Scored two goals, including a spectacular opener, and provided an assist. Came close to a hat-trick.
• Martin Baturina – 8/10: Showcased skill and was involved in attacking moves, hitting a shot on target before halftime.
• Tasos Douvikas – 8/10: Scored Como's second goal with a clinical finish after the break, after earlier efforts were saved or missed.
• Substitutes: Maxence Caqueret (64') – 7/10, Kaiki Bruno (69') – 7/10, Samuele Ricci (80') – N/A, Ivan Smolcic (80') – N/A.

Manchester United Player Ratings:

• Senne Lammens – 5/10: Made saves but was unable to prevent any of the four goals conceded.
• Diogo Dalot – 4/10: Switched positions and struggled throughout the match.
• Matthijs De Ligt – 5/10: Showed flashes of his quality on his return but couldn't stem the tide.
• Harry Maguire – 4/10: Failed to close down Paz for the first goal and had limited impact.
• Noussair Mazraoui – 3/10: Too slow on the ball and struggled against Como's patient possession.
• Andrey Santos – 3/10: Booked early and substituted at halftime after a poor performance.
• Mason Mount – 4/10: Picked up the ball in tight areas and struggled to influence the game.
• Youri Tielemans – 4/10: Played behind Fernandes but struggled to press effectively.
• Bruno Fernandes – 3/10: Tried to create but efforts were wayward, and he was substituted early.
• Matheus Cunha – 4/10: Started on the left but had little impact before being substituted at halftime.
• Bryan Mbeumo – 4/10: Had limited chances and struggled to make an impact on the right wing.
• Substitutes: Carlos Baleba (46') – 4/10, Amad Diallo (46') – 5/10, Joshua Zirkzee (66') – 5/10, Harry Amas (79') – N/A, Shea Lacey (85') – N/A.