Michael Carrick's Manchester United were ripped apart in a dreadful 4-1 defeat at Como in the Champions League, extending their miserable run to seven games without a win. The pressure continues to mount on Carrick and this United side as their season lurches from bad to worse. On Wednesday night they were humbled by a Como team that delivered more intensity and quality in Italy.
United were once again outworked by their opponents. Static in midfield, allowing Como players to run off them and losing their markers, the display exposed United's big failings out of possession. The tone was set just two minutes in when United went behind early, again. They became the first English side ever to concede in back-to-back Champions League games so soon, and never got to grips with Cesc Fabregas' impressively coached team.
Nico Paz brought the class for the hosts. The Argentina international stuck the opener into the top corner when Harry Maguire gave him too much space, then slotted in a third after catching Carlos Baleba in possession. Paz also set up Tasos Douvikas, who ran away from a disoriented Matthijs de Ligt to score inside four minutes of the second half. De Ligt was making his first start in 325 days due to back problems. Jacobo Ramon headed in an unmarked fourth, underlining the vast gap between the sides.
Joshua Zirkzee's injury-time goal was of little consolation. With just three points from three games, United face an uphill battle to progress from the league phase. Their immediate focus is a better performance and a win at home to Bournemouth on Sunday in the Premier League. Sky Sports' Paul Merson said the result was no shock: "They've got to start winning matches," he said, arguing that United are judged on past superstar eras rather than their current squad.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing