Manchester United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Champions League debutants Como, plunging Michael Carrick's future into further doubt. The Red Devils produced arguably their worst performance of the season in Italy, just days after a battling 1-0 draw at Leeds.
Como's star player, Nico Paz, needed only two minutes to break the deadlock. The Argentina international, tipped as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, curled a shot into the net from just inside the 18-yard box after being given too much space by United's defence.
Como run riot in one-sided affair
United made a slow start to the second half as well, with both Anastasios Douvikas and Paz scoring within 12 minutes of the restart. Carrick's team had no response as the game looked to be petering out until Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon completed a superb team goal before Joshua Zirkzee grabbed a late consolation.
A depleted United squad had made the journey to a wet Como after nine first-team players were ruled out. United's shortage of defenders saw Matthijs de Ligt make his long-awaited return to the starting line-up after 325 days out with a back injury, while Mason Mount was also recalled to face Cesc Fabregas' side.
Defensive woes continue
United have now played 11 games, conceded 18 goals and kept just one clean sheet. The injury-hit defence is leaking goals, and Old Trafford chiefs would be naive to wait until next summer to strengthen their backline. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Red Devils plan to sign a left-back and potentially two centre-backs in 2027, but not in January.
Paz's opener demonstrated that it isn't just individuals who need to improve. The sight of dumbfounded Harry Maguire, Andrey Santos, Noussair Mazraoui and Matheus Cunha all stood looking at each other after the ball flashed past Senne Lammens spoke volumes about their issues out of possession.
Carrick's changes fail to turn tide
Cunha and Santos were both subbed off at half-time as Carrick looked for a solution. The Red Devils boss also made a tactical change by swapping full-backs Dalot and Mazraoui, sending Bruno Fernandes to the left and putting Bryan Mbeumo up front.
But it didn't turn the tide. Como doubled their lead through Douvikas in the 49th minute, and once again it was far too easy. Carlos Baleba got turned in midfield by Lucas De Cunha, and United didn't react quickly enough, with Douvikas eventually being too sharp for De Ligt and keeping his cool to finish.
Paz announces himself to Europe
Tottenham fans must be thinking to themselves, 'what could've been?'. Paz was heavily linked with a move to Spurs on several occasions before Como paid €60million (£50.3m) to make his loan permanent this summer, and don't be surprised to see Real Madrid activate their buy-back clause.
The 22-year-old was outstanding on the night and looked unplayable against a porous United. Paz's goal to make it three wasn't as spectacular as his first, but it showed another side to his game. After closing down Baleba, the playmaker burst away down the right with one thing on his mind. Paz never looked like missing, as he slotted home with his left foot.
Time up for Carrick?
The inquest was put on hold against Leeds, but now it's been blown open again. Carrick said at his pre-match press conference that he knows he has to win games of football, and two in 11 is far from substantial.
When Fernandes was withdrawn to a shake of the head in the 67th minute, it felt like his manager had given up on the tie. Carrick has tweaked his formation of late and deployed a more conservative approach in a bid to steady a ship which is sinking fast ahead of Bournemouth's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.
But will Carrick be there to welcome them? If the former United midfielder does receive a stay of execution, then games against Chelsea, high-flying Roma and Aston Villa are on the agenda before a trip to Anfield after the international break.
