Manchester United player ratings vs Como: Amad offers rare bright spot as defence struggles in 4-1 defeat

Amad made a positive contribution from the bench, but Manchester United had few other reasons for encouragement as Como inflicted a heavy Champions League defeat.

Our Manchester United player ratings vs Como reflect a night when Michael Carrick’s side struggled to contain Nico Paz and offered too little in response.

Paz scored twice and supplied Anastasios Douvikas, before Jacobo Ramon headed Como’s fourth. Joshua Zirkzee’s stoppage-time finish from Amad’s delivery gave United a consolation in a 4-1 defeat.

United’s defensive options had been reduced by their injury problems before the trip to Italy, but Como repeatedly exposed gaps in their organisation.

These are Dave.Sport’s editorial assessments, based on the recorded match action and published match reporting. Ratings are out of 10; NR means there was insufficient playing time or evidence for a fair mark.

Manchester United player ratings vs Como: starting XI

Senne Lammens — 5/10

Made saves from Martin Baturina and Paz as Como threatened further goals. Left exposed by runners breaking through United’s defence, particularly for Douvikas’s finish and Paz’s second. Four conceded, but the protection in front of him was a bigger concern.

Diogo Dalot — 3/10

Missed an early opportunity from Matheus Cunha’s delivery before Como took the lead. United needed more from that promising position. His subsequent contribution did little to compensate on a night when the defensive unit struggled to contain the hosts.

Harry Maguire — 3/10

Gave Paz too much room to turn and shoot for the opener. Also failed to direct a first-half header on target. Ramon’s untracked arrival for the fourth underlined United’s inability to organise the space in their own penalty area.

Matthijs de Ligt — 3/10

A difficult return to the starting line-up after his lengthy absence. Douvikas escaped him for Como’s second, reaching Paz’s pass and finishing before United could recover. His lack of recent football provides context, but the defensive consequences were substantial.

Noussair Mazraoui — 3/10

Part of a back four that never established control over Como’s movement. United switched their full-backs during the second half, but the adjustment did not bring enough stability. Offered little attacking compensation for the difficulties at the other end.

Andrey Santos — 3/10

Unable to give United the midfield protection or control they required. Como reached the defence too readily during his first-half appearance, and Carrick replaced him with Carlos Baleba at the interval.

Mason Mount — 4/10

Some combinations with Bruno Fernandes briefly offered a route forward, but they produced little clear danger. Sent a speculative second-half effort wide and could not help United regain control as Como extended their lead.

Youri Tielemans — 4/10

Failed to provide the passing influence United needed to sustain attacks. A second-half shot was comfortably gathered by Jean Butez. Too little penetration from a player whose distribution should have helped the visitors work their way back into the contest.

Matheus Cunha — 4/10

Created Dalot’s early opening, one of United’s better attacking moments before the break. That contribution earns some credit, but he could not build on it and was replaced by Amad at half-time.

Bruno Fernandes — 3/10

Struggled to influence the game in an advanced role. United needed their captain to turn possession into meaningful chances, but he remained peripheral to their best moments. Replaced by Zirkzee in the 67th minute with Como already three ahead.

Bryan Mbeumo — 4/10

Delivered the cross for Maguire’s first-half headed opportunity but offered limited sustained threat. United could not bring him into enough dangerous situations, and he was replaced by Shea Lacey late on.

Substitutes

Amad — 6/10

United’s most effective attacking contributor after coming on at half-time. Tested Butez with a shot from distance and supplied the delivery for Zirkzee’s consolation. Those were tangible contributions on an evening when too many others struggled to produce them.

Carlos Baleba — 3/10

Introduced at the interval to help improve midfield, but his misplaced pass gave Paz the opportunity to run through and score Como’s third. A costly error just as United were trying to recover from Douvikas’s goal.

Joshua Zirkzee — 6/10

Replaced Fernandes and eventually provided the finish United had lacked. Controlled Amad’s delivery well before scoring in stoppage time. The match was already settled, but he deserves credit for taking his opportunity.

Harry Amass — NR

Replaced De Ligt in the 79th minute with United already four goals behind. Too little meaningful action to make a fair assessment of his performance.

Shea Lacey — NR

Came on for Mbeumo in the 86th minute and was booked shortly afterwards. His brief appearance does not provide enough evidence for a numerical rating.