{
  "id": 15934856,
  "title": "UCL: Nico Paz shines as Como thrash Man United 4-1",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ucl-nico-paz-shines-as-como-thrash-man-united-4-1-15934856",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-21T19:14:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ucl-nico-paz-shines-as-como-thrash-man-united-4-1/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a shocking 4-1 loss, Manchester United was thrashed by Como in a UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday, further tarnishing the team's reputation under manager Michael Carrick. The first goal came just 118 seconds into the game when Argentine forward Nico Paz scored for Como, marking the first time an English team has conceded in the opening two minutes of back-to-back major European matches. Como dominated the match, showcasing a performance that put their opponents' defensive weaknesses on full display. Canadian midfielder Tasos Douvikas added a goal, assisted by Paz, while Jacobo Ramon sealed the win with a powerful header. At one point, United was in danger of suffering their worst-ever European defeat, matching a 5-0 loss to Sporting in 1964. Manager Carrick made several substitutions in an attempt to turn the tide, including replacing captain Bruno Fernandes midway through the second half and withdrawing several players at halftime. Despite a consolation goal by Joshua Zirkzee in stoppage time, the loss left Carrick facing renewed questions and the club needing a quick turnaround to improve their European campaign.",
  "summary": "Como secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Nico Paz was the standout performer for the Italian side, scoring twice and providing an assist for Tasos Douvikas. Jacobo Ramon completed the scoring for Como with a powerful header.\n\nManchester United's defensive struggles were highlighted as Nico Paz scored for the hosts after just 118 seconds. According to Punch Nigeria, this made Manchester United the first English team to concede within the opening two minutes of consecutive major European matches. The loss adds pressure to manager Michael Carrick following another disappointing performance in Europe.\n\nYahoo Sports provided player ratings for the Manchester United squad, noting that Amad was the only player to make a positive impact. The outlet rated Harry Maguire a 2, describing his performance as disgraceful, while other players such as Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, and Andrey Santos also received low marks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "UCL: Nico Paz shines as Como thrash Man United 4-1",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ucl-nico-paz-shines-as-como-thrash-man-united-4-1",
        "published": "2026-10-21T19:14:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}