Manchester United must end a six-match winless run in all competitions when they visit Champions League newcomers Como on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

The 20-time English champions have three points from their opening two matches in the 2026-27 league phase and sit 13th in the table. Como are one place above them in 12th, also with three points.

Como are among four clubs making their debut in the league phase this season after securing a remarkable fourth-place finish in Serie A last term. Cesc Fabregas’ side made an emphatic start in Europe on 10 September, beating RB Leipzig 4-1, but lost 3-2 away to Feyenoord Rotterdam in their next match.

The Italian club go into their first meeting with an English opponent after a 3-1 Serie A victory over Fiorentina. That result left them fifth in the domestic table with 14 points from seven matches.

Como are the 12th Italian club to compete in the Champions League and will also face Lens, AEK Athens, Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona during the league phase.

Manchester United began their European campaign with a 4-0 win against Sabah, but were beaten 2-0 by Atletico de Madrid last week. Their domestic form is also poor, with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United leaving them 13th in the Premier League on seven points after seven games.

United have not won in their past six matches in all competitions, drawing three and losing three. The run has increased pressure on manager Michael Carrick. However, they have lost only two of their past 16 meetings with Italian sides, winning 10.

Trevoh Chalobah, who has a muscle problem, and Moise Kean, who has a tibia issue, are doubts for Como. Assane Diao is ruled out with a thigh injury. Anastasios Douvikas has scored five goals in nine appearances this season, while Martin Baturina and Nico Paz are expected to provide creativity. Jacobo Ramon could start in central defence.

United will be without Manuel Ugarte, who has a knee injury, Patrick Dorgu because of a hamstring problem, suspended defender Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko, who has a tibia injury. Ayden Heaven is ill, while Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are doubts. Martinez was substituted at half-time against Leeds with a muscle problem.

Bryan Mbeumo could again lead the attack, with Noussair Mazraoui likely to replace Yoro.

The predicted teams are:

Como: Butez; Couto, Chalobah, Ramon, Valle; Milla, Da Cunha; J. Rodriguez, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

Manchester United: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Amad, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbeumo.

The suggested outcome is a narrow 2-1 Manchester United victory. The listed odds are 1.50 for more than 2.5 goals, 1.50 for both teams to score, 2.80 for a Manchester United win and 9.00 for the exact 2-1 score with Betclic.