Como crush Manchester United 4-1 as Fabregas masterclass puts Carrick on the brink

Como's night of glory at the expense of Manchester United

Como produced one of the shocks of the European campaign, hammering Manchester United 4-1 in a result that Italy's newspapers are hailing as historic. Under Cesc Fabregas, the Lariani tore into the Premier League side, with Nico Paz the headline act — the youngster scored twice in a display La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport both branded a phenomenon.

Como's other goals came from Douvikas and Ramon, while Zirkzee pulled one back late for United in what Corriere dello Sport called an "useless" consolation. "The genius is Cesc," the paper wrote, as Fabregas's tactical plan left United boss Michael Carrick exposed. "Nico dismantles Manchester," Gazzetta added.

Fabregas kept his feet on the ground afterwards. "I saw the lads were thrilled, but we remain humble," he said, as quoted by Tuttosport.

Carrick on the brink as Conte's name resurfaces

The rout piles fresh pressure on Carrick, whose position was already fragile. Reporting on 12 and 18 October 2026 had already flagged his struggles, with United's winless run stretched to six games before this trip. Now, after a 4-1 humiliation, Tuttosport warned the result "could even lead to Carrick's sacking," while Corriere suggested it "accelerate[s] for Conte," with Antonio Conte's name again linked to Old Trafford. Fabregas, meanwhile, was said to have "blasted Carrick" in the aftermath.

For Como, the win lifts them to six points in their group, with Lens next on the agenda — a milestone for a club the papers described as historic.

Paz's breakout season

Paz's brace adds to a sparkling individual campaign. As of a 21 October 2026 snapshot, the Como playmaker had registered two goals and two assists in seven Serie A appearances in 2026-27, underlining why he is now being called a European sensation.