The Champions League returns to the shores of Lake Como. Tonight, Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium welcomes Michael Carrick’s Manchester United for a meeting between two sides with a lot to play for.
The Red Devils arrive for Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League group stage on three points, level with Como. They opened their campaign with a 4–0 win over Sabah at Old Trafford before falling to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
It promises to be a special occasion at the BiancoBlu’s home ground. Manchester United will be looking to get back to winning ways, having recorded two victories this season across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup, against Ipswich Town and Sabah.
Under the lights at the Sinigaglia, Cesc Fàbregas and Michael Carrick will lead their sides into a contest that offers more than just three points: an opportunity to make a statement on one of European football’s biggest stages.
The words of Como 1907 head coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como 1907-Manchester United:
"Tomorrow will be a special day for our club, our city and our fans. Manchester United have an incredible history and really great players, but we must approach this challenge with composure and ambition. As always, we want to compete and try to win.
"We have great respect for their history, but we also need to focus what we can do on the pitch. We need to understand their strengths, prepare well and find a way to make things difficult for them. My role is to help the players believe in themselves, and I have great faith in this group.
"We’re not building a team around established names, we're giving young players the opportunity to develop and become stars in their own right. Just four years ago, we were in a very different position. We must remember where we started, stay humble and continue to grow."
Manchester United
Manchester United are expected to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, a system Michael Carrick has favoured this season. The Red Devils will, however, be without versatile defender Leny Yoro, who was sent off in last week’s match against Atlético Madrid, leaving the manager with decisions to make at the back.
One of the key tactical questions concerns Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, who has featured in different roles this season: both in a double pivot alongside Carlos Baleba or Andrey Santos and further forward as a number 10. His positioning could prove important in shaping the visitors’ approach.
Manchester United have plenty of attacking options at their disposal, with Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee all available. Benjamin Šeško will be absent, alongside Yoro, while Manuel Ugarte, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford will also be out.
Como 1907 can expect to face a side that looks to attack directly, exploit space on the counter and make the most of the wide areas. The possibility of deploying a winger such as Bryan Mbeumo as a false nine would give United further flexibility in attack, creating space for rotations and allowing other players to influence the game in the final third.
Previous encounters
Tonight's match at the Sinigaglia will mark the first-ever meeting between Como 1907 and Manchester United.
Squad
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
3 VALLE Alex
4 RAMON Jacobo
5 PERRONE Maximo
6 MILLA Luis
7 DA CUNHA Lucas
8 CAQUERET Maxence
9 DOUVIKAS Tasos
10 PAZ Nico
12 GINELLI Lorenzo
13 DOSSENA Alberto
16 KAIKI Bruno
20 BATURINA Martin
21 RICCI Samuele
27 COUTO Jan
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
30 LIBERALI Mattia
97 SANCHEZ Robert
Match details
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Kick-off: 18:45 CEST
- Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia
- Referee: Sven Jablonski (Germania)
- Assistants: Eduard Beitinger (Germania) - Robert Kempter (Germania)
Where to watch
- Italy: Sky Sport, NOW
- Rest of the World: Check local listings.