Cesc Fabregas admitted his only regret from Como's 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United was telling his players to ease off in the final ten minutes. The result heaped more pressure on United boss Michael Carrick.
Como race into early lead
Como took the lead inside two minutes through Nico Paz's strike. United steadied themselves after the early setback but collapsed after the break.
Anastasios Douvikas, Paz and Jacobo Ramon all scored to put United 4-0 down with 14 minutes still to play. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored a consolation in added time, but that did little to stem the disappointment.
Fabregas takes blame for late lapse
In his post-match press conference, Fabregas acknowledged it was a mistake not to keep the pressure on United in the final moments, and placed the blame for that decision on his shoulders.
"I regret the last ten minutes because I was the one who told the team to slow down the tempo because there's another match (Sassuolo on Saturday) and at 4-0 we could manage things a little," the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said. "I told the players to stop running and stay in the middle and that is something I regret because I'm the first to always push them to fight until the end."
"Their goal hurt me because we dropped our intensity and dropped our defensive block, but it was my fault."
Carrick apologises to supporters
At full-time, Michael Carrick apologised to the United supporters and repeated that message in his press conference, while also questioning the commitment of some of his players.
Despite United's woeful performance, Fabregas stressed he remained proud of beating the Reds. "We know the history of our club, how much they have suffered over the last many years," he said. "Obviously, I hope that tomorrow all the boys and girls go to school wearing the Como shirt and feel proud."
"I'm very happy with how the players applied everything we tried to do, not only in terms of quality, which was high, but also the way we were pressing relentlessly until the 85th minute. We are trying to create a culture at the club, a style of play and an identity. Tonight was another convincing moment for us."
"I can't lie to you that it wasn't pride [beating Man United]. I always tell the lads, enjoy yourselves, fight, do everything to make the best career possible for each one of you, because it goes by quickly. They made me enjoy myself tonight, but not so much for the win, for the result, because they played like I like my team to play, with conviction, with quality, with a clear head, with aggressiveness, with a fierce pressing."
United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host AFC Bournemouth. Questions surrounding Carrick's future remain after another damaging result.
