Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand examines the Red Devils’ 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, crediting Cesc Fabregas and Nico Paz: ‘At times it looked as though Como had 12 players on the pitch.’
Serie A side Como beat Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League Round 3 on Wednesday thanks to a brace from Nico Paz and goals from Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon.
Ferdinand reacts to Como 4-1 Man United
Fabregas’ side dominated the match, scoring the opener with Nico Paz after just two minutes and adding three more in the second half.
Former Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee, who was introduced as a substitute, scored the only goal for the Red Devils in the dying minutes.
Ex-England and Manchester United defender Ferdinand quickly weighed in on the game in a social media post.
“Cesc Fabregas and Como have made us look like a team who had won a RAFFLE to be in the Champions League,” Ferdinand wrote on X.
“At times it looked as though Como had 12 players on the pitch. We were TOOTHLESS in attack NO running power in the team An INABILITY to press Como NO patterns in possession.
“A lot of credit has to go to Cesc and the way he has built this team & then you see the way he has got his ideas into this team. Everyone knows their jobs and are dialled in in and out of possession.
“They play to teammates under pressure – a great example of trust in one another. But that is no excuse for us, we were poor on the night and look a team on zero confidence right now – so much to do to turn this around….and I haven’t even got onto the injuries! The difference in budgets certainly wasn’t reflected in the difference between the two teams on the pitch! Nico Paz – lovely footballer btw.”
Como are currently the best-placed Serie A team in the Champions League ranking with six points in three matches. Overall, it was a very positive round for Italian clubs, who got four wins in four games.