Manchester United endured yet another heavy loss as Cesc Fàbregas’ Como secured an emphatic 4-1 Champions League win over Michael Carrick’s depleted squad. Nico Paz scored a brace, and Anastasios Douvikas plus Jacobo Ramón also got on the scoresheet, capping a dreadful night for the away side.

Joshua Zirkzee netted a late consolation goal, but it barely masked United’s difficulties. Como’s relentless attacking and knack for punishing defensive errors proved crucial, leaving the Italian club sixth in the table while Manchester United dropped to 20th after three fixtures.

Nico Paz puts Como ahead early

Como wasted no time making an impact, with Paz scoring after just three minutes. The Argentine capitalised on Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt sitting too deep inside the box, finding room to slot home a clinical finish and give the hosts the lead.

United could not build any momentum in the first period. Their threadbare defensive and midfield options were exposed as Como pressed with intensity, leaving Carrick’s men lacking the physical strength and calmness required to hit back.

Even after conceding early, Manchester United kept Como from adding to their tally before the break. Still, the visitors showed few signs they could reverse the situation in the second half.

Anastasios Douvikas extends Como’s lead

Carrick tried to alter the game’s direction at the interval, bringing on Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo for Andrey Santos and Matheus Cunha. Those changes, though, did not spark the hoped-for reaction, and Como soon ramped up the pressure.

A neat one-touch sequence that started near the halfway line carved out the chance for the hosts’ second goal. Paz played the telling ball to Douvikas, who guided it into the net, leaving Manchester United with a much tougher challenge.

Como kept probing the visitors’ defensive frailties, and United could not find a dependable way to keep their opponents in check. The second goal handed Fàbregas’ side firmer control and left Carrick hunting for solutions.

Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón pile on the misery for United

Paz grabbed his second of the evening before the hour, making it 3-0 with a cool finish past Senne Lammens. His clever movement opened up the space, and the goalkeeper could not stop another Como goal.

Manchester United’s night got worse when Bruno Fernandes was replaced by Zirkzee on 67 minutes. The captain left the pitch without much complaint as his team failed to produce any real response.

With a quarter of an hour left, Como struck again. Kaiki capitalised on a swift counter, and Maguire along with a rusty De Ligt failed to pick up Ramón, who was left free to convert and make it 4-0.

That fourth goal highlighted the defensive issues that had plagued United all match. Como, for their part, kept making the most of the visitors’ errors and edged closer to a resounding win.

Zirkzee scores as Champions League table takes shape

United finally found the net in the 91st minute when Zirkzee turned in a lofted cross from Amad. The late strike was merely a small consolation after a display in which the visitors had been outclassed for long stretches.

The result moved Como up to sixth in the Champions League standings, edging ahead of Manchester City on goal difference after scoring one more goal. Fàbregas’ team had produced a statement result, while Carrick’s side was left to ponder another frustrating evening.

Manchester United now sit 20th with one win and two losses from their first three games. Their injury troubles made for a difficult backdrop, but Como’s clinical finishing and ability to punish defensive lapses made the gap between the teams plain to see.