Como – Manchester United: Preview
We have the predictions for the match between Como and Manchester United in the third round of the group stage of the Champions League for the 2026/27 season. The beleaguered "Manchester United" heads to the home of the budding and highly motivated "Como".
Key points
Como
1. "Como" lost in Rotterdam and replicated its record in Serie A
In the Champions League the Como side went to Rotterdam, losing to Feyenoord (2–3). This was the team's first defeat in the CL: in the first round they had a brilliant home win over Leipzig (4–1). In Serie A "Como" approached the leaders’ group thanks to a spectacular home victory over Fiorentina (3–1). The team was not better than the opponent, but it outperformed them in the main aspects: efficiency and execution. Four wins, two draws and one loss in seven competition matches – a repeat of the club’s record for the Seseo Fabregas team. The first time this happened was in the 1950/51 season, when two points were still awarded for a win.
2. Chaloba, Diáo and Kine will not play against "Manchester United"
Forward Moyo Kine never recovered from the injury suffered with the Italian national team. With Feyenoord the coach lost his main winger: Asane Diáo, and in the match against Fiorentina defender Trevor Chaloba was substituted in the 14th minute; he is a first‑team player immediately after his transfer from Chelsea for 30 million euros. As a result, "Como" has problems in three positions simultaneously. Forward Anastasios Duvikas played the whole match against Fiorentina and may return to the bench, and in the "false nine" position Niko Pass will play. Alongside him, central defender Hacabo Ramon will return, and his teammate could be Mark‑Oliver Kamp.
3. "Como" has only three home defeats in the calendar year
"Giuseppe Sinigaglia", located in a picturesque spot on Lake Como, is the source of inspiration for Seseo Fabregas and his players. In the last 20 matches at their stadium (since 19 October 2025) "Como" achieved 11 wins, six draws and three losses. An excellent result for a team that is only opening up to the best of Serie A and is appearing on the international stage. The match against the English "Manchester United" is a new experience for the "Como" players. Although high‑level encounters with EPL representatives had already occurred: this summer, with Liverpool (0–0) and Arsenal (1–1, 3–4 on penalties).
Manchester United
1. Carrick’s difficulties: "Manchester United" without wins in six consecutive matches
The 4–0 rout of Saba in the first round of the Champions League is all that "Manchester United" has had recently. The team is struggling in the EPL, lost to Brighton (2–3) in the League Cup and almost had no chances in the away second‑round CL match against Atlético (0–2). The angry words of defender Lisandro Martínez about what is happening in the team were the climax of Michael Carrick’s misfortunes. Martínez later apologized, but the feeling remained. The same after the 1–1 draw with Leeds. The pressure on Carrick is enormous and could soon lead to resignation if the coach fails to lift the crisis.
2. Scheff, Martínez and two others will not play. Show and Mañu doubtful
Lisandro Martínez was substituted at halftime in the match against Leeds due to thigh problems, so his participation in the match against Como is in doubt. The central defender will probably play with Leni Yoro and Harry Maguire. After the injury, Nasser Mazraoui returned to the squad, but the Moroccan is not easy to regain a starting spot. Luke Shaw and Kobby Mañu are close to returning, but will Carrick risk releasing them from the first minute? Benjamin Scheff is still injured, Brian Mbemo is a favorite in attack, but Joshua Zirkzee’s exit from the lineup cannot be ruled out.
3. "Manchester United" is not organized defensively
Since the start of the season MU has played ten matches in all competitions. The only clean sheet was against Saba (4–0). It is unlikely to be an achievement: the opponent with the number of chances at Lammers’ goal still played the own goal. In the other nine matches, the team conceded 15 balls – a near‑complete lack of organization in their own half of the pitch. The special problem is the second half: in them they conceded ten balls. Going into Como with that weight is not a good idea: the away matches of the "red demons" have been toothless lately – only one win in ten matches.
Estimated lineups
4‑2‑3‑1 4‑2‑3‑1 7
Sanchez3 Valle2 Kamp 4 Ramon27 Couto5 Perone7 da Cunja16 Kaki20 Baturrina17 Rodrigues10 Pass1 Lammers2 Dalot5 Maguiar15 Yoro23 Show17 Santos37 Mañu8 Fernandez18 Tilmans9 Rashford11 Zirkzee
Betting on the trend
"Como" has five wins in eight home matches. "Manchester United" does not win in their last five away matches: three draws and two losses. F1 (0) at 1.68.
Three of the five home matches for "Como" and four of the five away matches for "Manchester United" ended with a total lower. TM 2.5 at 2.30.
Prediction
Como vs Manchester United 21.10.2026 20:45
"Como" after the win over Leipzig felt in their own skin the first defeat in the Champions League, losing at home to Feyenoord. The match was productive, which is not surprising for the Seseo Fabregas team. However, it seems "Como" is still handling the tough schedule: the strength was enough for the away win over Fiorentina. Enough for the match against "Manchester United" with great support at "Giuseppe Sinigaglia".
"Manchester United" had the worst start in the EPL in the last 40 years, which is a doubtful achievement for Michael Carrick’s players. The main coach tries to bring the team to the right level, but successes are sporadic and the situation inside the team after Lisandro López’s words leaves much to be desired. It is hard to find something for "Manchester United" in this match that helps them leave home at least with a draw, not to mention a win.
Prediction: 2‑1
