As things stand, Manchester United would need a miracle to get a result against Bournemouth at the weekend. It is difficult to overstate just how bad United were on the pitch here against Como, although the 4-1 scoreline does give a good indication.
The draw against Leeds on Sunday had offered some encouragement but this trip to Italy and Lake Como exposed familiar problems. They struggled to defend as a team and created far too little in attack.
It was telling that their one goal via Joshua Zirkzee came in stoppage time, after a ravenous Como had had their way with them. Como pressed United aggressively throughout, moved the ball with confidence and consistently found space in a porous defence. Nico Paz was the main threat, the Argentine scoring twice and setting up another goal.
United’s problems here started only a little later than they did against Atletico Madrid last week. Como took the lead in the second minute when Paz received the ball near the edge of the area and moved onto his left foot before curling a fine shot beyond Senne Lammens.
Michael Carrick’s side had no response. Their passing lacked accuracy and their attempts to win the ball back rarely troubled Como, who worked together to close down space and quickly regained possession whenever United tried to build an attack.
United also had problems dealing with Como’s forward movement. Paz repeatedly found room on the right, and his movement caused difficulties for Noussair Mazraoui. Tasos Douvikas also threatened the visitors’ goal, although an offside call denied him a clear opportunity to score.
Carrick had some difficult circumstances to manage. United were without nine players because of injuries, suspensions and illness. Matthijs de Ligt made his first appearance in 325 days after recovering from a serious back injury, and his lack of recent match action showed.
The United manager made two changes at half-time in an attempt to improve his side. Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo replaced Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos, with Bruno Fernandes moving into a more advanced midfield role and Bryan Mbeumo taking up the central attacking position.
But four minutes into the second half, Paz found Douvikas with a pass that split the United defence, and the striker ran into the box and fired past Lammens again. United were struggling to keep Como at bay, and the hosts added a third in the 57th minute. Baleba lost possession on the flank, allowing Paz to drive forward before finishing with his left foot to complete his brace.
Still Como continued to look dangerous whenever they moved forward. Diallo had an opportunity to give United some hope, but Como goalkeeper Jean Butez denied him.
The hosts remained in control and scored again in the 76th minute. Substitute Kaiki Bruno delivered a cross from the left, and Jacobo Ramon rose to head in and complete a miserable evening for United, Zirkzee’s stoppage time strike next to meaningless.
