According to a report by Flashscore on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Manchester United endured a disappointing evening in the UEFA Champions League, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Como after struggling with defensive organisation and failing to take advantage of their scoring opportunities.

Nico Paz gave the Italian side an early lead before Anastasios Douvikas extended their advantage after the interval. Paz subsequently scored his second goal following a costly Manchester United error, while Jacobo Ramon added a fourth. Joshua Zirkzee grabbed a late consolation, but the visitors’ overall performance left plenty of questions for manager Michael Carrick to address.

Four Manchester United Players Who Struggled Against Como

1. Andrey Santos

Andrey Santos endured a frustrating first half as Manchester United struggled to establish control in midfield. The Brazilian was unable to consistently disrupt Como’s attacking movements and received a yellow card in the 25th minute for a late challenge.

He also committed an earlier foul that allowed the hosts to maintain pressure on United’s defence. His difficulties in breaking up play and protecting the back line contributed to the team’s problems during the opening 45 minutes.

With United trailing and struggling to gain a foothold in the contest, Carrick decided to withdraw Santos at half-time, bringing on Carlos Baleba in an attempt to improve the midfield’s defensive stability.

2. Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot had a disappointing outing as Manchester United struggled to create clear opportunities while remaining vulnerable at the back.

The Portuguese defender missed an important chance in the second minute after receiving a well-placed pass inside the penalty area, only to send his effort narrowly wide. The missed opportunity proved costly, as Como went on to take the lead through Paz shortly afterwards.

Dalot also conceded a free kick in the sixth minute and failed to deliver an accurate cross shortly before the half-hour mark. Although he attempted to provide attacking support from the right flank, his final delivery lacked the precision required to trouble Como’s defence.

His inability to make the most of promising situations reflected United’s broader struggles to turn possession into meaningful attacking opportunities.

3. Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha failed to make the desired impact in attack before being substituted at half-time.

The Brazilian forward committed a foul in the 12th minute and was penalised again for a strong challenge later in the first half. His difficulties in influencing the game were particularly concerning given United’s need for greater attacking urgency after falling behind.

Cunha had an opportunity to make a difference shortly before the interval when he received a pass from Bruno Fernandes. However, his curling attempt from the edge of the penalty area sailed over the crossbar.

With United chasing the game and struggling to create a consistent attacking threat, Carrick introduced Amad Diallo for the second half in search of greater creativity and penetration.

4. Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui also struggled to provide the attacking contribution Manchester United needed from the flanks.

The Moroccan defender failed to make the most of his opportunities to support the attack, with one attempted cross late in the first half failing to find a teammate. Such moments limited United’s ability to build sustained pressure and provide quality service to their forwards.

Como’s movement and attacking intensity also exposed the wider defensive problems affecting Carrick’s team throughout the encounter.

Although the available match account does not directly link Mazraoui to any of Como’s four goals, his limited attacking influence was part of a difficult collective performance from Manchester United.

Ultimately, the defeat highlighted several areas United must address, particularly their midfield protection, defensive organisation and finishing. Carrick will need a much-improved performance from his players if the team is to recover from this disappointing European result.