Manchester United was thrashed 4-1 by Euro debutants Como in the Champions League on Wednesday. The match, held in Lombardy, Italy, saw Como dominate from the outset. Nico Paz opened the scoring just two minutes in, and striker Anastasios Douvikas added a second with a header. Paz completed his brace in the second half, sealing the victory for the Italian side.
The result left Manchester United winless in seven games, with manager Michael Carrick under intense pressure. Tensions within the club escalated after the loss, with reports of off-camera arguments between players and staff. The defeat marked a low point for Carrick’s tenure, as the team struggled to find form.
This loss comes amid growing criticism of UEFA’s expansion of the Champions League. Former manager Louis van Gaal, who led Ajax to victory in 1995 with just 16 teams, criticized the competition’s growth, now featuring 36 clubs. He highlighted the impact of the expansion on the quality of matches, noting that teams like Como, a Euro debutant, can now challenge established giants.
The match also saw Cesc Fabregas, a former United player, admit he instructed his team to “ease up” on Manchester United. This comment added to the controversy, suggesting a lack of respect from Como’s side. The result has intensified scrutiny on Carrick and his squad, with fans demanding immediate improvements.
