COMO — Manchester United Routed 4-1, Carrick Apologizes

Manchester United lost 4-1 at Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, and manager Michael Carrick told broadcasters afterward the performance was "unacceptable" and apologized to supporters, ESPN reported. The defeat extended a winless run to six games and added to pressure on Carrick less than a week after one of United's own players publicly questioned the club's direction.

What happened in the match?

Como's Nico Paz scored inside two minutes, continuing a pattern: United has now conceded within the first two minutes in back-to-back Champions League matches, first against Atlético Madrid and then at Como, according to ESPN. Anastasios Douvikas and a second Paz goal extended Como's lead before halftime, and Jacobo Ramón added a fourth in the second half. Joshua Zirkzee scored a stoppage-time consolation for United, who finished 4-1 losers to the Italian side.

How does this rank in Manchester United's Champions League history?

The result is the sixth time United has lost a Champions League match by three or more goals, and the first such loss since a Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Barcelona in April 2019, ESPN reported. United came into the Como fixture seeking to arrest the losing streak after what Carrick had described as a "fresh start" following a 0-0 draw at Leeds United the previous weekend.

By the numbers

• Final score: Como 4, Manchester United 1
• Paz's opening goal: inside two minutes
• United's winless Champions League run: six matches
• Historical ranking: sixth loss of three-plus goals in club Champions League history; first since April 2019

Why is Carrick already under pressure?

The loss followed what ESPN described as a set of "stunning interviews" last week in which United defender Lisandro Martínez highlighted the club's shortcomings. Carrick had pointed to Sunday's draw at Leeds as evidence the team was turning a corner before the Como result undercut that message. ESPN's reporting notes separate commentary questioning why Premier League club executives have stayed largely silent amid the turmoil, underscoring how closely United's results are being scrutinized across the league.

What did Carrick say after the loss?

"It was more than disappointing," Carrick told TNT Sports, as quoted by ESPN. "I think everybody has got to take responsibility for that. I 100% take responsibility for the overall team and the performance -- that's where it stops. It stops with me and I'm absolutely fine with that. I accept that totally. But as a supporter of this football club for so long, and I care..." ESPN's report did not include the remainder of the quote.

What comes next for Manchester United?

ESPN's coverage does not specify United's next fixture, but the club enters its next Champions League and Premier League matches still searching for a win after six games without one. The Como result also means United is now positioned, per ESPN's reporting, to approach the club's worst-ever European loss if results do not improve, a marker the club avoided only because of Zirkzee's late goal.

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