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Cesc Fabregas Says Como Must Adapt for Champions League Tie vs Manchester United
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Como host Manchester United in a Champions League tie at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Manchester United arrive off a six-game winless run, their worst stretch since 2018-19.
Como host United
Cesc Fabregas said playing Manchester United was "a historical night for the city" as Como prepared for a Champions League tie at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Fabregas framed the matchup as a test of adaptation, telling CBS Sports that "Tomorrow, we'll all line up on the edge of our own penalty area and park the bus" before adding that Como would try to play their own football.
Mirwan Surwaso described Como's rise as a shift from amateur status, saying the plan was scrapped when "Somehow the team got promoted, we had to go professional, and the plan had to be scrapped," and the club now faces European scrutiny.
CBS Sports put the match on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a 12:45 p.m. ET start and listed odds of Como +120, Draw +271, and Manchester United +230.
Fabregas also insisted he would not dwell on United's past, saying "We must look at what is in front of us" as Como aimed to build on their Champions League debut win over RB Leipzig.
Fabregas rejects Carrick links
Fabregas refused to entertain speculation about replacing Michael Carrick, telling reporters, "I won't answer that question because I think that's not a very nice question." Fabregas added that the line of inquiry did not show enough respect, saying, "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." The Independent reported that Fabregas insisted the job talk would be disrespectful as Como prepared for their Champions League clash, and he emphasized that hosting United at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia was a "historic day once again for the club, the city of Como and fanbase."
Fabregas also said United were a club he knew well, stating, "Man United is a historical club that I know very, very well," while he pointed to familiarity with Steve Holland from their time together at Chelsea. Sports Illustrated framed the matchup as a chance for Como to pressure United, quoting Fabregas saying, "It's a great match against one of the best and biggest teams in history," as Manchester United entered the game with a winless run.
Messi support and stakes
Lionel Messi offered surprise support for Como when Fabregas revealed that Messi posted a picture of his son Ciro wearing a Como jersey. Fabregas told CBS Sports that he was behind the gift to Messi, and CBS Sports added that Messi shared the national team dressing room with Nico Paz, Como's rising star. The BBC described Como's rapid rise from Serie B to the Champions League, noting that Fabregas steered the squad to fourth place in 2025-26 and that AC Milan suffered a shock defeat at Cagliari.
The Independent said heavy rain was expected for Wednesday's fixture on Lake Como's shores, and it described Como's Champions League debut as a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. Sports Illustrated said Fabregas considered United favorites to collect three points, while he urged Como to believe they could compete, saying, "Our inner strength and our mentality are what must make us strong and allow us to believe that we can do it."