Manchester United have spent considerable time trying to find the right balance in midfield, but their latest European outing exposed just how much work remains to be done.

Michael Carrick’s side were outplayed by Como, with the Italian outfit demonstrating the technical quality and attacking imagination that United struggled to contain.

United’s recruitment team will already be considering how to strengthen the squad before another summer transfer window arrives.

The performance in Italy also offered a reminder that elite young talent can emerge outside Europe’s traditional superclubs.

Manchester United eye summer 2027 move for Nico Paz

Manchester United are monitoring Como playmaker Nico Paz ahead of a potential summer 2027 transfer, with Chelsea also said to be interested in the Argentine after his outstanding display against the Red Devils.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, as cited by Tuttomercatoweb, United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Nico Paz as they consider their options for next summer.

The 22-year-old made headlines on Wednesday by scoring twice and providing an assist in Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over United.

His contribution to the opening three goals helped dismantle Carrick’s side, while his composure and movement repeatedly caused problems for the visitors.

The display was another example of why the Argentine has become one of the most exciting young attacking midfielders in Italy.

Paz joined Como from Real Madrid in August 2024 after progressing through the Spanish club’s academy.

He had made eight senior appearances for Madrid, including scoring against Napoli in the Champions League, but moved to Italy in search of a clearer route to regular first-team football.

The decision has proved fruitful.

During his first Serie A season, Paz recorded 6 goals and 8 assists in 35 league appearances, quickly establishing himself as an important part of Cesc Fabregas’ team.

He improved further in 2025/26, scoring 12 league goals and providing 6 assists in 35 Serie A appearances.

Across all competitions, he finished the campaign with 13 goals and 8 assists in 40 matches, helping Como secure Champions League qualification.

Before the meeting with United, Paz had registered 2 goals and 2 assists in seven Serie A appearances.

Those numbers underline why top clubs are monitoring his progress.

Paz is not simply a promising prospect who might develop into a creative midfielder in the future; he is already producing decisive performances at senior level.

Any potential move for Paz will be complicated by Real Madrid’s contractual position.

Madrid initially allowed the midfielder to join Como in 2024, but they have maintained a route to bring him back to the Spanish capital.

In June 2026, the clubs confirmed a new agreement that allowed Paz to remain at Como for the 2026/27 season while giving Madrid a unilateral buy-back option for the following season.

Reports indicate that the clause is worth €80 million and can be activated during the summer 2027 window.

Como, meanwhile, are keen to build their project around Paz and have agreed an arrangement that gives them greater control over his future.

For now, the reported interest remains at the monitoring stage.

United must first decide which midfield profiles should take priority before next summer, while Real Madrid’s buy-back option could ultimately determine Paz’s destination.