Como beat Manchester United 4-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in a UEFA Champions League league-phase match that left United's season under serious scrutiny. Nico Paz scored twice and set up another goal, while Michael Carrick's side extended its winless run to seven matches and conceded four times in a single European game.
Como vs Man Utd: Final Score and Goal Scorers
The match finished Como 4, Manchester United 1.
- Nico Paz (Como): 2' and 57'
- Anastasios Douvikas (Como): 49'
- Jacobo Ramón (Como): 76'
- Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United): 90+1'
Kick-off was at 16:45 UTC, an early slot in the Champions League schedule. Como were in control from the opening minutes, and the scoreline reflected the balance of play.
How Como Dominated the Match
Paz opened the scoring after two minutes. Lucas Da Cunha provided the assist, and Harry Maguire was unable to close the Argentine down in time. Como then managed the first half with confidence, holding roughly 64% of possession at one point, while United's only shot on target before the interval came from Youri Tielemans.
The second half widened the gap. Paz's through ball found Douvikas for the second goal in the 49th minute. Paz then intercepted a loose pass in midfield and ran through unchallenged to make it 3-0 in the 57th minute. Ramón added a fourth about 15 minutes from time, and Zirkzee's finish after a long ball over the top, played by a substitute, gave United a late consolation.
By the end, Paz had a brace and an assist, a performance that Yahoo Sports described as the highlight of an otherwise one-sided evening.
Why Is Manchester United Struggling Under Michael Carrick?
The defeat extended a difficult run. United have now gone seven matches without a win, and Yahoo Sports noted that they began the night in their worst start to a season in 40 years. Sky Sports described the sequence of results as miserable, and the performance in Como showed several recurring weaknesses: slow reactions in midfield, defensive lapses on the first and third goals, and very little attacking threat until stoppage time.
One match does not define a campaign, but the pattern is what concerns analysts. United's lineup in Como featured Senne Lammens in goal, a back four of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, and an attack built around Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, yet the side created little in open play.
Who Is Nico Paz, and What Is His Contract Situation?
Paz was the standout player and the main reason Como's result is being treated as one of the biggest in the club's recent history. TNT Sports noted that his contractual position is somewhat complex, with Real Madrid, the club he came from, almost certain to be able to buy him back in the summer if they choose to. For the moment, Como supporters can continue to watch a player the outlet believes will influence the club and international game for years.
Como are coached by Cesc Fàbregas, the former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder, whose side combined organized pressing with quick, direct attacks throughout the night.
What Happens Next for Como and Manchester United?
For Como, the priority is to sustain this standard across the remainder of the league phase, where one landmark result will be judged against consistency. For United, the task is more immediate: ending the winless run in their next fixtures and restoring confidence in the squad and in Carrick's approach. Further Champions League fixtures and Premier League matches will determine how much pressure the head coach faces in the coming weeks.
Match details were compiled from Yahoo Sports, TNT Sports, Sky Sports, VAVEL and FotMob coverage of the October 21, 2026 fixture. Statistics vary slightly between data providers.