Como delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as Argentine midfielder Nico Paz inspired the Italian side to a memorable win that intensified pressure on United manager Michael Carrick.

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Paz scored twice and provided an assist for Tasos Douvikas as Como dominated the encounter at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, exposing Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses and leaving the visitors with plenty to reconsider.

The defeat continued United’s disappointing European campaign, with the English side conceding early once again, just eight days after allowing Atletico Madrid to score in the opening minute of their previous major European outing.

Como took the lead after only 118 seconds, with Paz finding the net to put the hosts in control and leave United facing another difficult recovery.

The early goal also marked an unwanted milestone for Manchester United, who became the first English team to concede within the opening two minutes of consecutive major European matches.

The result underlined the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs. When Manchester United last won the Champions League in 2008, Como were playing in Italy’s fourth tier, Serie D. On Wednesday, however, the Italian side outperformed their illustrious visitors.

Paz was the standout performer, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement and creativity to unsettle United’s defence throughout the match.

The Argentine scored twice and set up Douvikas for Como’s third goal, while Jacobo Ramon added a fourth with a powerful header to complete the hosts’ emphatic victory.

At one point, United appeared in danger of matching their heaviest-ever European defeat, a 5-0 loss to Sporting in 1964.

Carrick attempted to change the course of the game through a series of substitutions as his side struggled to contain Como’s attacking threat.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half, while Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos were withdrawn at half-time.

United eventually found a consolation goal in stoppage time when Zirkzee beat the offside trap and calmly converted a cross from fellow substitute Amad Diallo.

However, the late strike did little to diminish Como’s achievement or ease the disappointment of the travelling Manchester United supporters.

The result is likely to intensify scrutiny of Carrick’s leadership, particularly as defensive lapses and inconsistent performances continue to undermine the team’s European ambitions.

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Manchester United must now respond quickly if they are to restore confidence and keep their Champions League campaign on track.