Como Thrash Manchester United 4-1 in Champions League as Carrick’s Depleted Side Is Exposed in Italy

Manchester United suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, raising fresh questions about head coach Michael Carrick and the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Nico Paz scored twice for Como, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also found the net. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal for United in the 91st minute.

United travelled to Italy without several key players, with injuries, illness and suspension leaving Carrick with limited options. Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were unavailable through injury or illness, while Leny Yoro missed the match through suspension following his red card against Atlético Madrid. Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte were also absent.

Carrick made four changes to his starting line-up, including the return of Matthijs de Ligt after a lengthy spell out following back surgery. The defender partnered Harry Maguire in central defence, while Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha also returned to the starting side. Bryan Mbeumo led the attack.

The result adds to United’s recent struggles in Europe. The defeat followed a 2-0 loss away to Atlético Madrid in their previous Champions League fixture, leaving the team under pressure to respond.

Their domestic form has also raised concerns. A 1-1 draw against Leeds United on October 18 extended a difficult run of results, with United reportedly recording just one win in their previous seven Premier League matches.

Questions have also emerged over the club’s recruitment and squad depth. Following the loss to Atlético Madrid, Martínez called for greater investment in players capable of competing at the highest level, while acknowledging that the current squad also needed to improve.

His comments have renewed attention on the club’s football leadership, including director of football Jason Wilcox. United have invested heavily in recent seasons, but inconsistent performances continue to raise questions about whether the squad has the balance and depth required to compete across multiple competitions.

The absence of several first-team players may have weakened Carrick’s options, but the defeat will intensify scrutiny of the team’s overall performance and the club’s plans for improvement.

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