Manchester United endured one of the darkest nights in their European history after suffering a heavy defeat to Como, increasing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Just eight days after conceding in the opening minute against Atletico Madrid, United’s defence was breached again after just 118 seconds, as Argentina playmaker Nico Paz opened the scoring with the first of his two goals.
The early setback made United the first English team in history to concede within the opening two minutes of consecutive major European matches, an unwanted record that will further deepen concerns at Old Trafford.
When United last won the Champions League in 2008, Como were competing in Serie D. The contrast between the two clubs’ current trajectories was evident in a one-sided encounter that saw the Italian side dominate proceedings.
Paz scored twice and provided an assist for Tasos Douvikas, before Jacobo Ramon powered home a header to complete Como’s four-goal haul.
At one point, United appeared at risk of matching their heaviest-ever European defeat, a 5-0 loss to Portuguese side Sporting in 1964.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half, following the half-time substitutions of Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos, two signings reportedly worth a combined £110 million under INEOS.
Zirkzee managed to score a consolation goal in stoppage time, calmly finishing from a cross by fellow substitute Amad Diallo after beating the offside trap. However, the late goal did little to ease the disappointment surrounding United’s performance.
After the final whistle, Carrick appeared to pay little attention to his players as he approached the travelling supporters, repeatedly raising his hands in apology. The gesture recalled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reaction after United’s 4-1 defeat to Watford in November 2021, a result that preceded his dismissal just 24 hours later.
