Como produced the biggest European win in the club’s history on Wednesday, overwhelming Manchester United 4-1 at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium and deepening the pressure on manager Michael Carrick. The defeat was United’s heaviest in continental competition since 1994 and extended their winless run to seven matches in all competitions.
Como took control after only two minutes when Nico Paz was given room by Harry Maguire and curled a left-footed shot into the far top corner. United struggled to contain the hosts, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens was required to prevent further damage before halftime. Tasos Douvikas missed a major chance and later had a goal-bound attack ruled out for offside after Lammens brought him down.
Como doubled its advantage four minutes into the second half. Paz released Douvikas, who ran beyond Matthijs de Ligt and finished from 15 yards. Paz then scored again in the 57th minute after Carlos Baleba lost possession in midfield, completing a performance in which he scored twice and assisted another goal. Jacobo Ramón headed in Como’s fourth from close range in the 76th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back in added time after controlling Amad Diallo’s cross, but the goal offered little relief. United finished with three points from their opening three league-phase matches, with Roma, Sporting, Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal still to come. Carrick accepted responsibility for the performance and apologised to the travelling supporters, saying the team had failed to bring the required intensity and purpose.