The match

Como beat Manchester United 4-1 on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase. Nico Paz opened the scoring inside two minutes, when a misplaced pass from Dalot let Da Cunha release him at the edge of the area, and his left-footed shot curled beyond Lammens. Paz made it 2-0 in the 49th minute by feeding Douvikas, who ran in behind the United defence after a pass from Baturina and finished past the goalkeeper. Paz added his own second goal in the 57th minute, after Baleba lost possession to him, and he finished calmly to make it 3-0.

Late goals and the penalty appeal

Ramos made it 4-0 in the 75th minute, heading in a left-wing cross from Kaiki. Earlier, in the 20th minute, Como players appealed for a penalty after Baturina went down under a challenge in the area, but referee Jablonski waved play on. United's only goal came in the 91st minute, when Diallo found Zirkzee with a left-footed pass, and the Dutch forward controlled it in the area and beat Butez under his body. The late goal did not change the scoreline, which stayed 4-1 to Como at the final whistle.

Carrick and the players respond

Michael Carrick, United's head coach, said he had apologised to the supporters who travelled to Como and accepted full responsibility for the team's performance. He described the display as unacceptable, said the focus should be on the match rather than on him, and declined to discuss his future in the job. Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports that conceding early had left United feeling beaten before they had found their rhythm, and he pointed to the team's failure to press and to keep possession. United have now gone seven matches without a win in all competitions. BBC Sport reported that Fernandes had questioned the team's tactics. Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS Sports, said Fernandes's post-match comments, which placed the blame on Carrick, were a disgrace. Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, said United had been judged on the strength of their past stars and were far from being one of the world's biggest teams now.

Pressure on Carrick grows

Calls for Carrick to be sacked grew louder on social media after the defeat, according to the Evening Standard. talkSPORT reported that United have sounded out Julian Nagelsmann as a possible replacement, and the 39-year-old former Bayern Munich manager is currently a free agent after stepping down as Germany boss following a disappointing World Cup campaign in the summer. The report says Nagelsmann has admirers within the club hierarchy and was considered before Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis in May. talkSPORT also named Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler as an option, while United have not yet shown interest in Antonio Conte, who has said he would be open to taking charge. Their next match, according to the BBC podcast, is against Bournemouth.