Manchester United suffered a humiliating European defeat in Italy as Nico Paz scored twice and inspired Como to a stunning 4-1 victory, piling further pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Manchester United endured a night to forget on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after Italian side Como dismantled the English giants 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League.
At the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Cesc Fàbregas’s Como delivered an impressive performance, exposing United’s defensive weaknesses and controlling large periods of the encounter.
Argentina international Nico Paz was the star of the night, scoring twice and helping create another goal as Como secured one of the most memorable victories in the club’s European history.
Nico Paz Strikes Early to Shock United
Como needed just two minutes to take the lead.
Paz found space outside the Manchester United defence before curling a superb effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Senne Lammens beaten.
The early goal immediately put United under pressure. Despite opportunities to respond, the visitors struggled to establish control in midfield and repeatedly allowed Como to exploit gaps in their defensive structure.
United went into halftime trailing 1-0, leaving Carrick with the task of reorganising his side for the second half.
Como Strike Twice in Eight Minutes
The situation deteriorated rapidly after the restart.
In the 49th minute, Paz turned provider, releasing Anastasios Douvikas, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.
Eight minutes later, Paz struck again. After Manchester United lost possession in a dangerous area, the Argentine playmaker capitalised, drove towards goal and finished to put Como 3-0 ahead in the 57th minute.
United struggled to contain Como’s movement and attacking combinations, while the home side continued to find spaces in the visitors’ defence.
Jacobo Ramón Delivers the Final Blow
Como’s dominance was underlined in the 76th minute when defender Jacobo Ramón headed home a cross from Kaiki Bruno to make it 4-0.
By then, United’s defensive problems had become difficult to ignore, and sections of the travelling support had begun leaving the stadium.
Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time, finishing after a delivery from Amad Diallo. The goal made the final score 4-1 but did little to soften the impact of United’s heavy defeat.
Pressure Mounts on Michael Carrick
The defeat added to an increasingly difficult period for Carrick’s Manchester United.
The team entered the match under pressure following a poor run of results, and the loss extended their winless streak across all competitions to seven games, according to Sky Sports.
United’s performance raised further questions about their defensive organisation, intensity and ability to compete consistently at the highest level of European football.
Como, meanwhile, celebrated a landmark victory under Fàbregas, whose team combined effective pressing, quick movement and clinical finishing to punish their opponents.
What the Result Means
The 4-1 defeat leaves Manchester United facing an uphill task in the Champions League league phase, with points needed in their remaining matches to improve their position.
For Como, the result represents a major statement against one of Europe’s most recognisable clubs.
Paz emerged as the standout performer, while Douvikas and Ramón helped complete a memorable night for the Italian side.
Final score: Como 4-1 Manchester United
- Como: Nico Paz (2′, 57′), Anastasios Douvikas (49′), Jacobo Ramón (76′)
- Manchester United: Joshua Zirkzee (90+1′)
For United, the search for answers continues. For Como, this was a night to remember.
