Fabregas Backs Man Utd as Favorites Against Como

Como manager Cesc Fabregas has identified Manchester United as the favorites ahead of their Champions League meeting at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday, despite the English club's prolonged winless run. Speaking before the match, the Spaniard acknowledged United's historical stature while emphasizing that his team must compete with determination against a stronger opponent.

According to Sports Illustrated, Michael Carrick's Manchester United have gone six consecutive matches without a victory across all competitions. The club has also recorded its worst start to a league season in 40 years, adding pressure ahead of the European fixture.

Fabregas said the encounter represents an important opportunity for Como to measure its progress against an established European powerhouse. He also stressed the importance of collective belief as his players prepare to face a team he considers superior.

"It's a great match against one of the best and biggest teams in history," Fabregas said on the eve of the match. "It's a match to dream about, but we must try to do our best to try to win and pick up the three points."

The Como manager acknowledged that competing against elite opponents requires his side to recognize the difference in experience and quality while maintaining its competitive spirit.

"We slowly have to understand what it's like to face the top sides, when you know that they're better than you, but you still have to compete with what you have," he added. "Our inner strength and our mentality are what must make us strong and allow us to believe that we can do it."

Fabregas also dismissed speculation that Manchester United could appoint him as a replacement for Carrick. The former midfielder, who has emerged as a sought-after young coach after helping Como progress through Italian football, declined to discuss the possibility before the two teams meet.

"I won't answer that question because I think that's not a very nice question," Fabregas said. "I don't think that shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick at the helm of a wonderful Manchester United side."

His comments came amid reports linking him with several major European clubs. Manchester United have been mentioned among the potential destinations as questions surround Carrick's position, but Fabregas made clear that he would not entertain speculation about taking over at Old Trafford before the Champions League encounter.

Como's rise has made the fixture particularly significant for the Italian club. According to Sports Illustrated, the team had spent more than two decades outside Italy's top division before returning in 2024 and had experienced two bankruptcies in its history.

The club's 119-year history has not included a visit from a team of Manchester United's stature outside the traditional giants of Italian football. Hosting the English side therefore marks a major milestone for Como and reflects its progress under Fabregas.

"They are a great team," Fabregas said about Manchester United. "Just three years ago, when we were in Serie B, it would have been unthinkable that Manchester United might come to the Sinigaglia. Yet on Wednesday, that is exactly what will happen.

For us, it's a dream come true. We'll take our chances."

The Champions League meeting offers Manchester United an opportunity to end their six-game winless streak, while Como will attempt to capitalize on its home advantage against one of Europe's most historically prominent clubs.