Next Manchester United manager odds after embarrassing Como defeat

The pressure on under-fire Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is only set to intensify after his side were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.

Carrick said he saw a number of positives in United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the weekend, but the Red Devils failed to build on that somewhat encouraging display out in Italy on Wednesday night.

Cesc Fabregas’ side dismantled the Premier League giants and were on course for an even more emphatic win until Joshua Zirkzee’s consolation goal in injury-time.

A week after conceding in the first minute against Atletico Madrid, United’s defence was breached inside two minutes as the impressive Nico Pac scored the first of his double.

Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon were also on target for Serie A side Como, who condemned Manchester United to their second Champions League defeat of the season.

Another disappointing loss means Carrick’s side, sitting in the bottom-half of the Premier League, have now won just two of their first 11 games of the 2026/27 campaign.

Old Trafford bosses appeared determined to give Carrick more time to turn things around but their patience will be tested after a humbling European defeat.

Ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is the favourite to replace Carrick should Manchester United decide to make a change.

Howe, 48, has been out of work since his five-year spell at St James’ Park came to an end in July. During his time at Newcastle, Howe helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup.

Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler are also among the leading contenders to take over at the Theatre of Dreams, according to bookmakers Betfair.

Conte, who was most recently at Napoli, is believed to be keen on the Manchester United job, while Hurzeler may have more reservations given his Brighton side are third in the Premier League.

Following United’s most recent setback, ex-England midfielder Joe Cole said on TNT Sports: ‘It was humbling for them. I said before the game that it’s going to be a real test and it turned out to be more than a test for them.

‘Like I said before, the spotlight will fall on Michael Carrick’s feet, and he is not the problem, believe me. The club’s rot has been there for many many years, and they [the club] need to get out of their own way.

"It was like men against kids"

Dimitar Berbatov on Manchester United's 4-1 loss against Como 🗣️

🎙️ @Sports_EmmaD | 📺 Stream on TNT Sports & HBO Max: https://t.co/fRCRh6tXYB pic.twitter.com/m15DzlYsKb

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 21, 2026

‘There are a lot of players in that Manchester United squad who probably are not good enough to play for Manchester United.

‘So when does the criticism come to the director of football? I think it’s fair that you are trying to get rid of players on long-contracts, but if nobody wants them it’s difficult to get rid of them at the right price.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes bemoaned his side’s slow start to the match and the lack of ‘bravery’ on show from his teammates.

‘It’s not the first time, we started on the wrong foot, and they scored very early,’ Fernandes said. ‘Not much pressure on the ball, not many good movements with the ball, not many things going our way.

‘Conceding early makes us go into game with a mood of defeat, it’s difficult to get out of that, trying to be brave, to have the ball and make something happen.

‘If we are not able to do that, it is going to be very difficult to get out of this situation.’

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a home match against Bournemouth, who beat Sunderland last time out.

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