The Como vs Man United clash takes center stage on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as Manchester United travel to Italy for a UEFA Champions League league-stage fixture. United manager Michael Carrick has named a starting lineup featuring Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and Matheus Cunha as his team looks to deliver a strong performance against Cesc Fàbregas’ Como side.
The match will take place at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with Como hoping to make the most of their home advantage against one of English football’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United enter the contest under pressure following their failure to defeat Leeds United in their previous match. With several first-team players unavailable, Carrick faces an important test as he attempts to find the right balance between attack and defence.
Como vs Man United: Confirmed Starting Lineups
Manchester United have made several notable selections for the Champions League encounter, including the return of Matthijs de Ligt after an extended spell out with a back injury.
Manchester United Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo
Mount, Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to provide attacking options, while Fernandes could operate in an advanced role behind the forward line. However, Carrick may adjust the positioning of his attacking players depending on how the match develops.
Manchester United Substitutes
Manchester United’s substitutes include Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Jayden Kamason, Carlos Baleba, the Fletcher twins, Amad, Shea Lacey, Tynan Thompson and Josh Zirkzee.
The bench gives Carrick several options to change the team’s attacking approach or strengthen the midfield during the second half.
Como Starting XI and Formation
Como manager Cesc Fàbregas has selected a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match against Manchester United. The Italian side will look to combine defensive organisation with creativity in the attacking third.
Como Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Jean Butez
- Defenders: Álex Valle, Jacobo Ramón, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Yan Couto
- Defensive midfielders: M. Perrone, Luis Milla
- Attacking midfielders: Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, Lucas da Cunha
- Striker: Tasos Douvikas
Como’s attacking structure places Nico Paz in a central creative position, supported by Baturina and da Cunha. Douvikas will lead the line and look to capitalise on opportunities inside the penalty area.
The home team will need to maintain its shape against United’s attacking players while taking advantage of any gaps left by the visitors.
Matthijs de Ligt Returns to Manchester United’s Defence
One of the biggest talking points ahead of Como vs Man United is the inclusion of Matthijs de Ligt in the starting lineup.
The defender is set to make his first appearance after an 11-month absence caused by a back injury. His return provides United with an additional experienced option at centre-back at a time when defensive injuries have significantly affected the squad.
De Ligt will partner Harry Maguire in central defence, while Dalot and Mazraoui are expected to operate as the full-backs.
United are also without Leny Yoro, who is suspended, while Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez and Patrick Dorgu are unavailable through injury. Ayden Heaven is also missing because of illness.
De Ligt’s performance will be closely watched as United attempt to limit Como’s attacking threat and establish greater defensive stability.
Manchester United Face Injury Problems
Carrick has several important absences to manage ahead of the Champions League fixture. The lack of available players has limited his options, particularly in midfield and defence.
Kobbie Mainoo did not travel with the squad, while Manuel Ugarte is dealing with a long-term injury. Benjamin Sesko is also unavailable, and Marcus Rashford is carrying a knock.
Carlos Baleba has been named among the substitutes, meaning he could provide an alternative in midfield if required.
The selection of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans gives United a potential central-midfield partnership, although Fernandes could also be moved into a wider or deeper role depending on Carrick’s tactical plan.
These decisions could prove crucial against a Como team that will look to exploit any weaknesses in United’s structure.
Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha Lead United’s Attack
Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha are among the most notable attacking selections for Manchester United.
Mount offers movement and pressing ability, while Cunha can carry the ball forward, create chances and operate across the attacking line. Bryan Mbeumo is another important option, with his pace and direct approach potentially creating problems for Como’s defenders.
Bruno Fernandes remains central to United’s attacking plans because of his passing, vision and ability to create scoring opportunities.
One possible arrangement would see Mount on the right, Cunha on the left, Fernandes playing as the No. 10 and Mbeumo leading the attack. Carrick could also experiment with Mount in central midfield and move Fernandes into a wider position.
The flexibility of these players gives United different ways to approach the match, but their effectiveness will depend on how well they combine against Como’s defensive setup.
Como vs Man United: Tactical Battle
The meeting between Fàbregas and Carrick offers an interesting tactical contest.
Como’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides two defensive midfielders to protect the back four while allowing the attacking midfield trio to support Douvikas. Nico Paz could be especially important in connecting the midfield with the forward line.
Manchester United will likely seek to use Fernandes’ creativity and the movement of Mount, Cunha and Mbeumo to create openings. Quick transitions could be particularly valuable if Como commit players forward.
For Como, controlling possession and exploiting spaces around United’s full-backs could provide opportunities. The home side will also need to be careful not to leave too much room for United’s forwards to attack on the counter.
The midfield battle could ultimately determine which team controls the tempo and creates the better scoring chances.
Como vs Man United: Match Details
- Match: Como vs Manchester United
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Stage: League phase
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 UTC, according to the BBC fixture listing
- Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como, Italy
- Como manager: Cesc Fàbregas
- Manchester United manager: Michael Carrick
What to Expect From Como vs Manchester United
Manchester United will be looking for a response after their disappointing result against Leeds United. The return of De Ligt and the inclusion of Mount and Cunha offer potential positives, but the team’s injury problems make the fixture a challenging assignment.
Como, meanwhile, have the advantage of playing at home and will aim to use their attacking midfielders to put pressure on United’s defence.
The outcome could depend on United’s ability to maintain defensive discipline, control the midfield and turn their attacking quality into clear chances. Como will be encouraged by their home support and will look to make the most of any mistakes.
With confirmed lineups featuring several important names, Como vs Man United promises an intriguing Champions League contest. However, the result will depend on performances on the pitch rather than team selection alone.
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