Fabregas Backs Manchester United Ahead of Como Clash

Como manager Cesc Fabregas expects Manchester United to pose a formidable challenge when the clubs meet at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday in the Champions League. Despite United's prolonged winless run and difficult start to the season, Fabregas considers the English side favorites to claim all three points.

According to the source article published by Sports Illustrated on October 20, 2026, Manchester United have gone more than a month without a victory and have dropped points in their last six matches across all competitions. Under Michael Carrick, the club have also recorded their worst start to a league season in 40 years.

Fabregas acknowledged the challenge facing Como while emphasizing the importance of competing against a historically successful opponent. The fixture also represents a significant milestone for the Italian club, which has spent recent years climbing through the country's football divisions.

Speaking before the match, Fabregas highlighted the importance of the occasion and the quality of the opposition.

"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 said his players must learn to compete against stronger opponents while relying on their own collective qualities. He stressed that belief and mental resilience would be essential as his team prepares for the European contest.

"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," Fabregas added. "Our inner strength and our mentality are what must make us strong and allow us to believe that we can do it."

Fabregas has attracted attention across European soccer after helping Como progress from Serie B toward the upper levels of Italian football. His achievements have reportedly placed him among the emerging managerial figures attracting interest from major clubs, including Manchester United.

However, the Spaniard declined to entertain speculation that he could replace Carrick. His response emphasized respect for the Manchester United manager rather than engaging in discussion about a potential move.

"I won't answer that question because I think that's not a very nice question," Fabregas said.

He explained that discussing another manager's potential departure would be inappropriate, particularly given Carrick's standing in the game.

"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."

Fabregas remains focused on Como's development as the club seeks to establish itself among Italy's leading teams. The Manchester United fixture offers an opportunity to measure that progress against one of the most recognizable clubs in world soccer.

Como's rise has been particularly striking given its recent history. The club had spent more than two decades away from Italy's top division before returning in 2024 and had experienced two bankruptcies, according to the source article.

For a club that spent just three years earlier competing in Serie B, welcoming Manchester United to its home ground represents a landmark occasion. Fabregas described the prospect as a dream realized through the team's progress.

"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 match presents contrasting challenges for the two sides: Como are seeking to build on their recent progress, while Manchester United will aim to end their six-game winless sequence across all competitions.