UCL: Como VS Manchester United - Prediction

Manchester United will travel to Italy to face Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with manager Michael Carrick under growing pressure following a disappointing run of results. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last six matches across all competitions, and another poor performance could raise further questions about Carrick's future at Old Trafford.

United were expected to build on last season's progress after finishing third in the Premier League and returning to Europe's biggest club competition. However, their performances this season have been far from convincing. With only seven points from their opening seven Premier League matches, the English giants are struggling to find consistency. Carrick said, "We've had some performances that we want to do better, that we can improve on. We've made some mistakes. That's football and that's pushing performance. But, I have to say, and I'll kind of repeat what I said the other day, you know, if you haven't got a good group, the type of performance – I'm not talking about the level – but the type of performance that the boys put into the weekend and, showed in Atletico for large parts, I think, and what the feeling that we have, there's a lot of togetherness there. There's a lot of will, there's a lot of determination to do better and want to do it for each other, which is important."

Meanwhile, Como have enjoyed a more encouraging start to the season under former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. The Italian club qualified for the Champions League after finishing fourth in Serie A last season. It marked a remarkable achievement for a team that had spent many years outside Italy's top division.

Under Fàbregas, Como have developed an attractive playing style built around possession, quick passing and attacking movement.

Their first Champions League match produced an impressive 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in September. Although they subsequently lost 3-2 against Feyenoord, their performances have shown that they are capable of competing against established European opponents.

Stats & Facts

• Manchester United are winless in six matches with three draws and three defeats.
• United have collected only seven points from seven Premier League matches - their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.
• Manchester United have won only one of their last ten Champions League away matches.
• United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 Champions League away fixtures.
• Como defeated RB Leipzig 4-1 in their Champions League debut.
• Como have lost only one of their last ten competitive home matches. Their record during that period stands at six wins, three draws and one defeat.
• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six Champions League away matches against Italian opponents.

Team News

Como will miss the service of Assane Diago due to his thigh injury, while Trevoh Chalobah and Moise Kean are uncertain ahead of the game. Anastasios Douvikas has already scored 5 goals for Como in his nine appearances and will lead the attack tomorrow against Manchester United. Argentine youngster Nico Paz will also start the game with Martin Baturina.

As for Man United, Benjamin Sesko is making progress but needs more time to return. The Red Devils have serious injury issues in their squad as Kobbie Maino, Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Patrik Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte will miss the game due to their respective injuries.

Possible Lineup for Como:

Butez; Couto, Chalobah, Ramon, Valle; Milla, Da Cunha; J Rodriguez, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas

Possible Lineup for Man United:

Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Amad, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbeumo

Prediction: Como 2-2 Man United

Como are likely to approach the match confidently, particularly with home advantage. Their ability to move the ball quickly and create opportunities through midfield could cause problems for United's injury-hit defense. Manchester United have enough individual quality to win this match, but their recent performances provide little reason for confidence. Unless, Manchester United show significant improvement, they could face another difficult evening in Italy.

Betfair Odds

Como: 2.50

Draw: 3.40

Man United: 2.90

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