Como’s next Champions League rivals, Manchester United, have three draws and three defeats in the last six games across all competitions, yet Michael Carrick is unlikely to be sacked and replaced by Antonio Conte at this stage.
Manchester United drew 1-1 away to Leeds United on Sunday, extending their winless streak to six matches.
Man United unlikely to sack Carrick ahead of Como clash
The Red Devils’ boss Carrick is inevitably under pressure, especially given that several sources in Italy and in the UK claim that Italian coach Conte is ready to replace him mid-season.
Manchester United have won only two of their ten games across all competitions this term, but United players reportedly feel Carrick deserves to keep his job.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez publicly backed the coach in an explosive interview that went viral after a Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid earlier this week, and, according to Express.co.uk, many of his teammates feel the same.
“That sentiment is privately echoed by other senior figures in the dressing room, and this was a showing packed with the determination and resolve that proves it. Even though it lacked the cutting edge United needed in attack,” the newspaper wrote after Manchester United’s draw against Leeds on Sunday.
Express adds that Carrick will be given more time to fight for his job and improve Manchester United’s results. This means the ex-England international will lead the Red Devils from the touchline on Wednesday when the Premier League side visit Como in the Champions League Round 3.
Como also played on Sunday, beating Fiorentina 3-1 away.
Como and Manchester United have both earned three points in their first two Champions League games and share the same goal difference, +2. The Azzurri, however, have scored more goals than the Red Devils (six to four) and conceded more (four to two).