Manchester United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Italian side Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, as Nico Paz and Anastasios Douvikas inspired a commanding performance that exposed the English club’s defensive weaknesses.

Como made a blistering start at home, taking the lead in the second minute through Paz, who fired a superb effort into the top-left corner after receiving a pass from Lucas Da Cunha.

United attempted to settle into the contest but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Como’s organised defence. Although Harry Maguire came close with a header in the 17th minute, the visitors failed to convert their limited chances in the first half.

Como maintained their composure and doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Douvikas capitalised on a defence-splitting pass from Paz before calmly slotting the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

United’s troubles deepened eight minutes later when Paz scored his second goal of the night. The Spanish midfielder took advantage of a costly defensive error in the 57th minute, rolling the ball into the net from close range to leave the visitors facing an uphill battle at 3-0.

Despite introducing Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba at half-time in an attempt to revive the team, United struggled to contain Como’s attacking threat. The visitors created some promising opportunities, but goalkeeper Jean Butez stood firm, producing important saves to preserve his side’s commanding lead.

Como delivered another devastating blow in the 76th minute when Jacobo Ramon rose highest to meet Kaiki’s lofted cross and powered a header into the bottom-left corner, extending the lead to 4-0.

United managed a consolation goal in stoppage time. Amad Diallo delivered a cross into the penalty area, allowing Joshua Zirkzee to finish low into the net in the 90th minute. The goal was reviewed by the video assistant referee for a possible offside, but the decision was upheld.

The late strike did little to disguise the scale of United’s disappointment, as Como held on to secure an emphatic victory in the Champions League league phase.

The result represented a major statement from Como, who demonstrated attacking precision, defensive organisation and the ability to punish costly mistakes against one of Europe’s most recognisable clubs.