Cesc Fábregas feels proud to lead Como 1907 into battle with Manchester United.

Both clubs claimed victories on the opening matchday of the Champions League against RB Leipzig (4-1) and Sabah (4-0) respectively before losing to Feyenoord (3-2) and Atlético Madrid (2-0).

Como’s Champions League debut

But while the Red Devils are seemingly entering another tailspin with a new head coach in Michael Carrick, things have never been better on the lake for the Serie A side in their debut campaign.

Fábregas refrained from too much comment on Carrick’s situation to express his happiness with the work going on at Como. He wants his players to produce another performance with confidence.

‘A coach must give his players confidence’

“It is another historic day for the club, the fans and the city.

“We’ve got to play with focus and ambition. This is Manchester United we are up against, so let’s enjoy it, play our game and try to win. It’s an incredible group of players, so we must be humble and realise there is much to learn. We’ll see how it goes, but respect our opponents.

“There are different ways of attacking, we try to study their weaknesses, but also don’t forget what we do best. They have a specific system and principles, but football is ultimately about the players. We tend to forget that, as directors and coaching staff.

“Many players have never done this before, but we’ve got to improve and play with ambition. We cannot talk too much about history, because otherwise these players step onto the field with fear.

“A coach must give his players confidence. If we think we’re higher than we are, then it will be more difficult.

“The President asked what my vision was, I work with Suwarso and the directors like a family, we trust each other. Even when we lose, the fans are supportive, and that is special. We must remember where we were four years ago. If we work hard, the history of Como will be remembered forever.”