Manchester United's staggering financial advantage counted for nothing as they were humbled 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, a result that laid bare the gulf between the club's resources and its performance.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire revealed that Como's revenue stands at £41m compared to United's £678m, while the Serie A side spent £72m on wages against United's £302m — a combined difference of £823m.
Como's early onslaught sinks United
A Nico Paz stunner put Como ahead after just two minutes, with further goals from Anastasios Douvikas, Jacobo Ramon and another from Paz making Joshua Zirkzee's late effort nothing more than a consolation.
United were outworked and outfought by the better team on the night. Although Como did run more than their opponents, United's superior quality should have been enough to secure a positive result.
Carrick apologises to supporters
Head coach Michael Carrick acknowledged the dreadful display at full-time by apologising to the United supporters still inside the stadium, with many having already headed for the exits.
He later addressed the defeat in a press conference, responding to comments from Bruno Fernandes regarding the tactics deployed by Carrick and his staff.
"We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight, I wouldn't say everyone, but the way we went about it in some ways tonight wasn't acceptable. And I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure," he said.
"It wasn't just the goals, if I'm totally honest. It was the manner and the way we played at times, in the way we went about it, that was the difficult thing to watch for me."
"We actually half-pressed man-to-man the second half and then conceded a goal from that. And there's a little bit on whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you ain't going to win."
Winless run extends ahead of Bournemouth clash
United host Bournemouth this weekend in search of a first victory in eight games, having lost to the likes of Atletico Madrid and Brighton in addition to 1-1 draws with Fulham, Tottenham and Leeds United.
