Cesc Fabregas shrugged off suggestions that he could be a replacement for Michael Carrick at Manchester United, saying such questions are disrespectful.

Fabregas and Carrick will face each other as opposition managers, 17 years after playing on opposing sides in both legs of the 2008-09 Champions League semi-finals, between Arsenal and United (won 4-1 on aggregate by the Red Devils).

Carrick is coming under scrutiny after a tough start to life as United's permanent head coach, after earning just one win in seven Premier League games so far in 2026-27.

It is their fewest number of victories at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1986-87 – also one victory after seven games.

They are also on a run of six matches without a victory, with their last win coming on MD1 of the Champions League against Sabah (4-0).

Meanwhile, Como have gone from strength to strength during their time under Fabregas, first earning promotion to Serie A before qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

The Spaniard has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona in the last year, with United the latest to be put forward as a potential future destination, but Fabregas gave his support to Carrick.

"I won't answer that question because I think that's not a very nice question," Fabregas said on Tuesday.

"I don't think that shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick at the helm of a wonderful Manchester United side."

Wheels up for Como https://t.co/CZanejqPV3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 20, 2026

This will be the first meeting between Como and United – since the start of last season, the six matches between Italian and English sides in the Champions League have been won by the Premier League outfit on five occasions (L1 – Atalanta 2-1 Chelsea the exception).

But United have just one win in their last 10 away Champions League matches (D3 L6) and have only kept one clean sheet in their last 15 on the road. Both the win and clean sheet were in a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in November 2021.

"Manchester United is a historical club I know very, very well," Fabregas added.

"We have so much respect for who they are, for what they do, because they have incredible players.

"I know Steve Holland very well because I worked with him for years at Chelsea, and I know Michael has done really well in previous clubs as well.

"Last year he did really well, bringing Manchester United back to where they belong, which is the Champions League, for the first time in many years, so it's not all bad.

"It's an honour to host them for the first time in our history."