Nico Paz delivered a brilliant performance with two goals and an assist as Como stunned Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, piling further pressure on Michael Carrick following another disappointing European outing.
Playing at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Cesc Fabregas’ side dominated the visitors to secure its second victory in three league-phase matches. The result handed United its second consecutive defeat in the competition after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last week.
Como wasted little time in taking control, breaking the deadlock inside two minutes. Lucas da Cunha found Paz near the penalty area, and the Argentine midfielder skipped past Harry Maguire before curling a superb left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United struggled to respond as the hosts maintained their attacking pressure throughout the opening half. Despite trailing by just one goal at the break, Carrick’s men failed to establish any meaningful control over the game.
Hoping to change the contest, Carrick brought on Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo at half-time. However, Como doubled its advantage just four minutes into the second period.
Paz produced a perfectly weighted pass through United’s defence, allowing Anastasios Douvikas to lift the ball over Lammens and make it 2-0.
The Argentine continued to torment United and grabbed his second goal in the 57th minute. After dispossessing Baleba in a dangerous position, Paz drove forward and curled another excellent finish past the goalkeeper to extend Como’s lead.
United’s defensive problems became even more apparent in the 76th minute when Kaiki sent a cross into the box. Jacobo Ramon arrived without being challenged and headed home Como’s fourth goal.
Joshua Zirkzee eventually scored a consolation goal for United in stoppage time, converting Amad’s delivery. However, the late strike did little to improve an otherwise miserable evening for the English club.
The defeat raised further concerns about United’s European form under Carrick. The team has conceded six goals and scored only once across its last two Champions League matches.
United’s struggles away from home have also continued, with just one victory in its previous 11 away fixtures in the competition.
For Como, the emphatic victory represented another remarkable achievement in the club’s rapid rise. Having competed in Italy’s fourth division only seven years ago, Fabregas’ team is now making its mark in its maiden Champions League campaign.
Paz’s outstanding display proved decisive as Como celebrated one of the biggest victories in its recent history.
