Four goals, one star turn from Nico Paz and a European rookie side leave Manchester United humbled and Michael Carrick under fire.
Manchester United were taken apart on the European stage by a Como side with next to no pedigree at this level. The Italians hit four goals and left Michael Carrick facing hard questions about where his team is heading.
Nico Paz was the star of the night, pulling the strings for the hosts with the kind of confidence usually reserved for sides who have been here a hundred times. In reality, this was only Como's third ever game of Champions League football. They played with freedom, ambition and a clear plan, and United had no answer.
For United, the damage goes beyond the scoreline. Giving up four goals to a team still learning the ropes of continental competition is the sort of result that stings for weeks and invites scrutiny of everything from tactics to temperament. Carrick now has to find a response quickly, because patience around Old Trafford tends to wear thin after nights like this.
Como, meanwhile, can enjoy a landmark result. A young, fearless side announced themselves on a big European night, and Paz has put his name firmly in the spotlight. United have plenty to fix before the next one.
