Champions League: Manchester United lose 4-1 at Como, adding pressure on Carrick

Manchester United suffered a heavy defeat in the Champions League. On Wednesday 21 October 2026, Michael Carrick's side lost 4-1 away to Italy's Como in the third round of the league phase. According to BBC Sport, it was only Como's third ever game in the competition.

How the match unfolded

The hosts took the lead in the 2nd minute. Nico Paz struck from the edge of the box, with Lucas Da Cunha providing the assist. The score stayed the same until half-time, although according to Polish reports United were little more than background in the first half against the side coached by Cesc Fabregas.

After the break Como pressed on:

• 49th minute: Anastasios Douvikas made it 2-0,
• 57th minute: Paz completed his brace to make it 3-0,
• 76th minute: Jacobo Ramon added a fourth,
• 90+1 minutes: Joshua Zirkzee scored a consolation for United.

Pressure on the head coach

English media, quoted by the Sportowe Fakty website, judged the performance harshly. They wrote of one of United's most embarrassing nights in Europe. They also described how, after the match, Carrick walked over to the small group of away fans who had stayed in the stands and raised his hands in apology. BBC Sport stresses that the defeat increases the pressure on the coach. Polish former basketball player Marcin Gortat also reacted on X, writing that it was "simply a disgrace".

Before the match, according to Sportowe Fakty, United needed a win to end a poor run of results. In other Wednesday games, Bayern drew 2-2 with Arsenal, and Galatasaray won 4-2 away at Lille.

At this stage we have no information on any decisions by the club regarding the coach. United's next matches will show how the team responds to this defeat.