Dramatic United suffer heavy defeat at Como, De Ligt back soon

Matthijs de Ligt made an unexpected return to the starting lineup for Manchester United on Wednesday evening, but the three‑minute appearance ended in a heavy defeat to Como in the Champions League, which included an own goal credited to Joshua Zirkzee.

United's problematic start

The former Ajax player had not played a minute since November last year and suffered several setbacks in his recovery from a lingering injury, but coach Michael Carrick had to field him because Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw were injured and Leny Yoro was suspended. As a result, the Red Devils had few options in defence.

In the opening phase Harry Maguire gave the Como player Nico Paz the space to shoot; the Argentine scored 1‑0. The Italians, who had been beaten a week earlier by Feyenoord, had chances to go ahead before halftime, but Anastasios Douvikas missed the target.

After the break the second half came at a different tempo. Nico Paz sprinted past Diogo Dalot and got past Senne Lammens for a second goal (3‑0). Shortly after defender Jacobo Ramón headed the ball into the net (4‑0). United took some consolation when Joshua Zirkzee, after a cross from Amad Diallo, scored an own goal (4‑1).

In the other match of the evening Galatasaray recorded a record goal: Yunus Akgün scored in the second minute, the fastest Champions‑League goal ever for the Turkish side. Five minutes later Soriba Diaoune equalised, and half an hour later he himself provided 2‑1.

After the break the score became 2‑2 when Aleksey Batrakov headed for Galatasaray. Then Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer scored an own goal, after which Victor Osimhen was twice on target against his former club, leading Galatasaray to finish 4‑2. A later attempt by the Nigerian for 2‑5 was disallowed for offside.

With this defeat Manchester United now have seven matches awaiting their first win in the Champions League, a situation that increases the pressure on Michael Carrick and the Red Devils.