Manchester United travel to Como on Wednesday evening desperately needing a result, but Cesc Fàbregas and his side have absolutely no intention of rolling out the red carpet.
Michael Carrick’s men have endured a miserable start to the season, winning just twice in nine matches across all competitions.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds did little to ease the pressure. United remain 13th in the Premier League and have managed just one victory in their last seven league fixtures.
Como, meanwhile, are enjoying their first Champions League campaign.
The Italian side announced themselves on the European stage with a remarkable 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig before narrowly losing 3-2 at Feyenoord.
Saturday’s impressive 3-1 win away to Fiorentina was another reminder that Fàbregas has built a team capable of troubling established opponents.
With United struggling for confidence and Como playing without fear, this could be another uncomfortable European evening for Carrick.
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What are the best betting tips for Como vs Manchester United?
Como double chance
Manchester United’s reputation might suggest they should be favourites, but their performances tell a different story.
Carrick’s side have won just twice in nine competitive matches this season, with their latest Champions League outing ending in a 2-0 defeat against Atlético Madrid.
Como have already beaten RB Leipzig 4-1 at home and arrive following an excellent victory over Fiorentina.
Fàbregas’s side are comfortable taking the game to opponents, and United have struggled to deal with teams that press aggressively.
Backing Como to avoid defeat looks a sensible approach.
Both teams to score
Como have scored six goals across their opening two Champions League matches, putting four past Leipzig before scoring twice against Feyenoord.
However, they have also conceded four goals in those fixtures.
United’s attack has been inconsistent, but Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford provide enough quality to create opportunities against an adventurous home side.
Como should have chances of their own against a United defence that has struggled to keep opponents quiet.
Both teams finding the net looks a strong possibility.
Nico Paz to score or assist
Nico Paz has become one of Como’s most influential attacking players under Fàbregas.
The Argentine midfielder combines creativity with an eye for goal and is particularly dangerous when finding space between the opposition’s midfield and defence.
He was among the scorers in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Fiorentina and should arrive full of confidence.
United have struggled to control matches in midfield, potentially giving Paz opportunities to influence proceedings.
With Como expected to attack rather than sit back, their number ten could play a decisive role.
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What is Como’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Robert Sánchez; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Álex Valle; Máximo Perrone, Lucas Da Cunha; Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, Kaiki; Tasos Douvikas.
Injured: Assane Diao, Moise Kean.
Doubts: Trevoh Chalobah.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Cesc Fàbregas has several selection decisions ahead of United’s visit.
Assane Diao remains unavailable through injury, while Moise Kean is also expected to miss out.
Trevoh Chalobah faces a fitness assessment after picking up a problem recently.
If Chalobah isn’t ready, Marc-Oliver Kempf could partner Jacobo Ramón in central defence.
Nico Paz should operate behind Tasos Douvikas, with Martin Baturina providing another creative option.
Como’s ability to move the ball quickly through midfield will be crucial against a United side that has struggled to control possession.
What is Manchester United’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Mazraoui; Andrey Santos, Baleba; Bruno Fernandes, Tielemans, Rashford; Mbeumo.
Injured: Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Šeško.
Doubts: Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo.
Suspended: Leny Yoro.
Michael Carrick will be without Leny Yoro following the defender’s red card against Atlético Madrid.
United also have several injury concerns.
Dorgu, Ugarte and Šeško are expected to remain unavailable, while Shaw and Mainoo require further fitness assessments.
Heaven missed Sunday’s draw at Leeds through illness, although he could return to the squad.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez are options in central defence, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui potentially occupying the full-back positions.
Bruno Fernandes should provide the creativity behind the attack, while Mbeumo could lead the line.
Como vs Manchester United stats
- Como beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their opening Champions League fixture.
- The Italian side lost 3-2 away to Feyenoord on matchday two.
- Como have scored six goals and conceded four in Europe this season.
- Fàbregas’s team beat Fiorentina 3-1 on Saturday.
- Manchester United have won just two of their opening nine competitive matches.
- United lost 2-0 against Atlético Madrid in their previous Champions League fixture.
- Carrick’s side drew 1-1 with Leeds on Sunday.
- Both clubs have three points from their opening two Champions League matches.
Where can I watch Como vs Manchester United?
Como host Manchester United at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with kick-off at 5:45 pm BST.
United Kingdom: TNT Sports and HBO Max. The specific TNT Sports channel should be confirmed against the final listings.
United States: Paramount+, with kick-off at 12:45 pm ET.
Canada: DAZN Canada, with kick-off at 12:45 pm ET.
Como vs Manchester United prediction
Manchester United might have the bigger reputation, but Como have arguably been the more convincing side this season.
Fàbregas’s team have already demonstrated their attacking quality against RB Leipzig and Feyenoord, and Saturday’s victory over Fiorentina should provide another confidence boost.
United, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistency.
Carrick’s side showed greater defensive discipline against Leeds, but creating chances and controlling possession remain problems.
The absence of Yoro adds another complication to a defence that has already looked vulnerable.
Como should approach this match positively, particularly in front of their own supporters.
United have enough individual quality to find the net, but their recent performances offer little reason to expect a convincing away victory.
With Paz pulling the strings and Como willing to attack, the hosts could claim a famous Champions League win.
Score prediction: Como 2-1 Manchester United
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