Como's depleted squad

Como host Manchester United on 21 October in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase. Diao, Chalobah and Kean were already out, and Rodriguez was injured in training, so Cesc Fabregas has had to adjust his selection from one game to the next. The coach said the club would have only 15 players available, because the academy was not ready and there are no young players for the B list. Fabregas also said Douvikas will play, but he declined to name his goalkeeper, saying Butez remains important and competes with Sanchez, which raises the level of the whole group. He told reporters that every difficulty is a new opportunity for the club.

Manchester United's slow start

Michael Carrick's side have collected seven points from seven Premier League matches. Carrick said he does not need reassurance about his position and does not fear dismissal, while acknowledging that some episodes had gone against his team. Martinez, Mainoo, Rashford, Shaw and Sesko are unavailable, and Carrick welcomed back De Ligt, who has been out for 11 months. Asked about Erik ten Hag's comments on a toxic environment at Old Trafford, Carrick declined to comment and said he had nothing to do with that situation. He also said he is not concerned about a weather alert in Como or the possibility that the match could be postponed.

Fabregas on approach and the project

Fabregas described the evening as a special one and said Como can win if they do things properly. He compared Manchester United with Inter, Milan and Juventus, arguing that the focus should be on what the opponent does and where it can be hurt. He warned that repeatedly telling players to be careful of United makes them take the pitch afraid. Fabregas, a 39-year-old Catalan coach, said he wants to stay at Como for a long time, and he credited club president Mirwan Suwarso with giving him the freedom to build the project. He told English-speaking reporters that the club's success rests on a single package of staff, idea and city.

Nico Paz and the stakes

Nico Paz, 22, said Como need a perfect match to beat United and that the team has the qualities to attempt it. He said United have very good players and a strong coach, even if they may not be in their best moment. The Como midfielder said he is happy with his start to the season, while playing down the importance of his personal numbers. He described a night like this one as a reward for the club's recent years and said the squad is proud to play it.