Lake Como is famous for movie stars and mountain views, but on Wednesday it hosts a drama of its own. Como vs Manchester United is a must-watch Champions League night, and the pressure on Michael Carrick is huge. United are winless in six, and an exciting Italian debutant stands in the way.
Carrick Under Pressure
United have not won in six games in all competitions and have drawn three of their last four. Their only wins this season came against Sabah and Ipswich. A 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid sparked Lisandro Martínez’s outburst at the club’s hierarchy, and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds added to the frustration. United sit 13th in the Premier League, five points behind fifth-placed Liverpool. Carrick says he feels backed by the club, but another slip in Italy would turn the heat up.
Manchester United Team News
Injuries are biting. Previews say nine or more first-team players are unavailable, and Lisandro Martínez, who went off with a thigh problem at Leeds, is a doubt. Carrick tried a front line without a clear number nine against Leeds and found little joy in the second half, so expect a focal point up top.
Matheus Cunha is pushing for a start, while Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba are central to the plan.
Como: Fàbregas’s Surprise Package
Como finished fourth in Serie A and are one of four Champions League debutants. Cesc Fàbregas’s side thrashed RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first home game, lost a five-goal thriller 3-2 at Feyenoord, then won 3-1 at Fiorentina last time out. They are bidding to become the first Italian side to win their first two home games in the competition since Lazio in 1999-2000. Nico Paz is the star man, with four goal contributions in seven league games.
Why United Fear Away Days
United have won only one of their last 10 away matches in the Champions League, with three draws and six defeats, and have kept one clean sheet in their last 15 on the road. The good news is they are unbeaten in their last six away games against Italian clubs in the competition, with three wins and three draws.
Carrick vs Fàbregas: A Midfield Reunion
Both managers were midfield playmakers who met in the 2008-09 Champions League semi-finals, when Carrick’s United beat Fàbregas’s Arsenal 4-1 on aggregate.
Como vs Manchester United Prediction
Previews call this one of the most evenly priced games of the matchday, and Como arrive in better form. Their attack, the injury list at Old Trafford and United’s poor away record all point the same way, so we are going for a narrow Como win, 2-1. A United victory would calm the storm around Carrick, and a heavy defeat could make this a long week.
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