flag
back Atrás
Man Utd player ratings vs Como: 3/10 leads group of flops as Bruno Fernandes lets rip

COMO 4-1 MANCHESTER UNITED: Michael Carrick suffered a Champions League hammering as pressure ramps up on the head coach.

Como 1907 v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3
Bruno Fernandes was left furious during Manchester United's trip to Como. (Image: Getty)

Manchester United were outpassed and outclassed on a miserable night in Lake Como, as Michael Carrick’s side continued their woeful start to the season in a 4-1 away defeat. They were second-best in every department and Cesc Fabregas' Como taught United a lesson in how to play a big occasion, as Nico Paz stole the show with two goals and an assist on the biggest game in the Italian side's history.

It took just 119 seconds for the hosts to take the lead, with dangerman Paz given the time and space to pick out the top corner from the edge of the box.

United had conceded within 47 seconds last time out against Atletico Madrid, marking a slight improvement, but this was another occasion where Michael Carrick’s side were utterly dominated by a European minnow.

Paz turned from goalscorer to provider in another quick start to a half, setting up Anastasios Douvikas to tuck the ball confidently past Senne Lammens, before returning to the scoresheet after dispossessing Carlos Baleba and running free to add a third. Jacob Ramon grabbed a fourth to add insult to injury with a free header from close range before Joshua Zirkzee's late consolation.

Here, Express Sport rates the woeful United players…

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens - 6

Little could be done to stop any of the four goals but will feel fortunate that the flag went up as he caught Douvikas inside the box and a penalty was prevented.

Defence

Diogo Dalot - 5

Spurned a big opportunity in the opening exchanges. Switched to left-back in the second half but didn't fare any better on that flank.

His first appearance in 325 days, somewhat enforced by an injury crisis at the back, and he was understandably rusty and let Douvikas slip away on occasion. But positive to see him back on the pitch regardless.

Harry Maguire - 4

Needed to be more proactive in closing Paz down for Como’s opener but recovered in the first half to deny Martin Baturina with a last-ditch tackle. The leader of a back four that got nowhere near Como's attack.

Noussair Mazraoui - 5

Slow to the press, which allowed Como to break through for their second.

Midfield

Andrey Santos - 3

Took less than two minutes for Santos to take his eye off Paz, who duly punished a lapse of concentration on the edge of the box. The Brazilian was seemingly tasked with a man-marking job, but too frequently let the new Argentina No. 10 drift into dangerous areas. Booked after 24 minutes when Paz turned him inside out with a fabulous piece of skill. No surprise when he was hooked at half-time.

Youri Tielemans - 4

Couldn’t get close to the Como midfield and struggled to set the tempo when United had the ball. A very poor evening for the Belgian.

Como 1907 v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3
Nico Paz was the star of the show for Como. (Image: Getty)

Mason Mount - 5

Introduced for his energy in midfield but Como almost appeared as if they had an extra man in the engine room, despite United starting with four bodies in that area of the pitch.

Attack

Bryan Mbeumo - 5

United’s biggest threat, but the attack was completely blunt and needs a serious examination in the days to come.

Moved back to United’s most advanced central player after an ill-fated time at left wing, but the skipper should be creating chances for others, what he does best, rather than spending his time playing close to goal. Could be seen furiously shouting at team-mates to join him in pressing the Como backline to little avail. Ineffective in his own game too before being hooked just after the hour mark, which he was not best pleased about.

Matheus Cunha - 4

On the receiving end of a Michael Carrick tirade after 20 minutes, with the head coach unhappy with the Brazilian. Struggled to get involved as Como dominated possession and isn’t the counter-attacking threat that Marcus Rashford, Bryan Mbeumo or Amad are. The latter came on at half-time to replace Cunha.

Substitutes

Carlos Baleba (45') - 4

His poor pass, a blind turn around the corner, was cut out and Paz raced through for Como's third.

Amad (45') - 6

Some good touches but the game was practically over just seconds after he entered the fray.

Joshua Zirkzee (67') - 7

Got a goal but far too little, too late, to turn things around.

Gave Matthijs De Ligt the end of the game off as the Dutchman returned after 11 months out. Some valuable minutes for the youngster.

Shea Lacey (86') - N/A

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

You may like

Carrick bites back at Bruno Fernandes in Man Utd war of words – ‘If you don’t run, you ain’t gonn...

football365.com hace 50 minutos

Man Utd sent clear verdict on appointing ex-Bayern Munich manager to replace Michael Carrick

football365.com hace 6 horas

£60m Tottenham transfer failure will sting forever as superstar tears Man Utd to shreds

football.london hace 2 horas

Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to PSG's Kvaratskhelia after devastating ACL blow

tribalfootball.com hace 6 horas

Man Utd manager target secretly marries blonde bombshell soap actress girlfriend

The Daily Star hace 5 horas

Como hand Manchester United unwanted record with early Champions League goal

tribalfootball.com hace 3 horas

I’ve not given my position any thought – Michael Carrick quiet on quit talk

barryanddistrictnews.co.uk hace 1 hora

Eberechi Eze just did something no Arsenal player has done since Thierry Henry

arsenalinsider.com hace 45 minutos

Man Utd star ‘would be thriving’ if he played for Liverpool as Bruno Fernandes blamed – ‘I didn’t...

football365.com hace 8 horas

Michael Carrick sack verdict delivered as Manchester United ‘problem’ revealed

The London Standard hace 2 horas