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Manchester United head to Italy this week knowing they need a response after another disappointing result under Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United on Sunday, extending their winless run across all competitions to six matches.
Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead at Elland Road, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half equaliser ensured Carrick’s side dropped more points.
Their European campaign has also taken a hit, with last week’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid adding to the pressure surrounding the manager.
United now have an opportunity to change the mood when they travel to face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.
However, Carrick will have to manage his options carefully, with defensive availability already a concern following Leny Yoro’s suspension for the fixture.
Como’s preparations for the visit of Manchester United have been disrupted by injury concerns surrounding defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Yan Couto, both of whom were unable to complete their involvement in Sunday’s Serie A match against Fiorentina.
Yan Couto was initially named in Cesc Fabregas’ starting line-up but withdrew after experiencing discomfort during the warm-up.
Croatian defender Ivan Smolcic took his place, forcing Como to make a late alteration before kick-off.
Reports indicate the club had not provided a definitive diagnosis or recovery timeline for the Brazilian defender, leaving his availability for Wednesday uncertain.
The situation worsened shortly after the match began when Chalobah went down in the opening stages and required treatment.
Fabregas opted to replace him around the 14th minute, bringing on Jacobo Ramon instead.
Losing two defensive options in the same match is an unwanted complication for Fabregas, particularly with a European fixture against United arriving just days later.
Smolcic’s introduction for Couto and Ramon’s early appearance in place of Chalobah could leave the Como manager weighing up further changes to his defensive set up.
The timing could matter for United, whose attackers will look to exploit any uncertainty in Como’s back line.
Nevertheless, neither player’s absence from the Champions League fixture has been confirmed, and their involvement will depend on how they respond to the problems picked up against Fiorentina.