Manchester United's Champions League match against Como is under threat of postponement due to heavy thunderstorms forecast across northern Italy. Authorities have issued an orange weather warning, with the Servizio Meteorologico predicting heavy rain and thunder lasting throughout Wednesday until 2am local time on Thursday.
Match kick-off and weather conditions
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:45pm local time (5:45pm BST), when thundery showers, wind and a risk of lightning are expected. The wet weather began on Tuesday morning and has shown no signs of easing, raising concerns over whether the third group game for both sides can go ahead.
According to the Italian government department Protezione Civile, an orange alert "indicates a potential dangerous situation."
Manager reaction and stadium concerns
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick appeared unconcerned about the match being called off during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Asked if he was worried, Carrick said: "No, nothing immediate from me, we're used to the rain. We'll make the most of it."
Only one of the four stands at Como's Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is covered, meaning fans in attendance would face a soaking if the game goes ahead.
Previous weather postponements and context
The last Champions League match postponed due to weather was in September 2016, when Manchester City's home game against Borussia Monchengladbach was rearranged after heavy rain and lightning. That match, originally set for Tuesday, was played on Wednesday, with City winning 4-0.
Manchester United's Champions League record this season stands at one win and one loss, having beaten Azerbaijani side FC Sabah 4-0 at home before a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, are enjoying their debut Champions League campaign, having beaten RB Leipzig 4-1 at home and lost 3-2 at Feyenoord.
