I’m pretty sure Michael Carrick doesn’t have any more rope to hold on to and will be sacked very soon. “Everyone was aware that it would be difficult to beat Como under the management of Cesc Fàbregas, who is becoming as big a legend as the manager playing at home at the Stadio, Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Eight days after conceding a goal in the first minute against Atletico Madrid, United’s defence was broken after 118 seconds when brilliant Argentine playmaker Nico Paz scored the first of his two goals.
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Michael Carrick to TNT Sports:
“It was more than disappointing. I think everyone has to take responsibility for it. I take 100% responsibility for the whole team and the performance – that’s where it stops. It stops with me, and I’m completely comfortable with that. I fully accept that. But as a supporter of this football club for so long, I have to say that a performance like that is unacceptable.”
About the message to the supporters:
“I care so much about the supporters. They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be. That they go there – I had to apologise for the performance. That they had to watch a game like that, I really feel for them. There are no excuses at all. It’s not acceptable.”
On whether he has the board’s support:
“It’s not about me. It’s about digesting the game and how it went. That’s the most important thing right now.”
It meant that United became the first English team in history to concede a goal in the first two minutes of successive major European Cup games – something no one at Old Trafford wants to be associated with.
When United last won the Champions League in 2008, Como played in Serie D. It speaks volumes about the different directions in which the respective clubs are moving, that this was about as crushing a win and as one-sided a game as it is possible to imagine.
Paz scored twice and set up Tasos Douvikas between goals, before Jacobo Ramon headed in fourth.
At one point, it looked like United could equal another unwanted record – their biggest ever European defeat was a 0-5 draw against Portuguese club Sporting in 1964.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee midway through the second half, after Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos – £110 million worth of Ineos signings – were taken off at half-time.
Zirkzee fooled the offside trap and calmly scored a consolation goal on a cross from substitute Amad Diallo in injury time, but it did nothing for the atmosphere.
Manchester United Player Exchange
Starting XI:
Senne Lammens: No chance on the opening goal. Important save at the near post on a slippery surface and a solid stop afterwards, and that just before half-time. The goal was broken quite soon after, no chance on the third. 6
Diogo Dalot: As it turned out, it was quite costly not to take advantage of the chance within the first minute. Difficult evening, although the main problems were on the other side. 5
Matthijs de Ligt (out 79, Amass): The return after 11 months out got off to a bad start. No opportunity to play in. Como’s attack was too fluid. Bad night. 4
Harry Maguire: Couldn’t get up to Paz fast enough to shut down the Argentine’s shot for the opening goal. Header outside at the other end. Overall not good enough. 4
Noussair Mazraoui: Struggled severely, caught on his heels one moment, slipped under pressure the next. Didn’t use Cunha as much as Carrick wanted, was completely abandoned by Comos Da Cunha. Gave the ball away on the edge of his own box. 3
Mason Mount: Neat with the ball, but exposed defensively. The pre-season partnership with Santos was nowhere near as effective here. 5
Andrey Santos (out 46, Baleba): Got away with a late tackle, but was shown a yellow card in the first half for a second. The fact that he was substituted at half-time said it all. 5
Matheus Cunha (out 46, Amad): Got the preferred spot on the left, but wasn’t involved enough in the game, and it was no surprise that he didn’t return after half-time. 5
Youri Tielemans: Started in an attacking role. Connected well with Mbeumo to create a half-chance and was eager to get the ball and create. Had the visitors’ first shot on goal. 6
Bruno Fernandes (out 67, Zirkzee): Another frustrating night for the United captain. Couldn’t get his passing game right, even when he had the chance to create. Taken off midway through the second half. 4
Bryan Mbeumo (out 86, Lacey): Failed to convert the half-chance from an acute angle and struggled to get into the game. 4
Substitutes:
Amad Diallo (inn 46, Cunha): Forced a good save with a shot from 20 yards. 5
Carlos Baleba (in 46, Santos): His yellow card, shortly after coming in, at least showed that he cares. Gave the ball away to the wrong player in Paz. 4
Joshua Zirkzee (in 67, Fernandes): – scored the consolation goal in injury time.
Harry Amass (in 79, De Ligt): –
Shea Lacey (in 86, Mbeumo): –
Unused substitutes: Darlow, Heaton, Thompson, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Kamason, Armer.
