Fabregas dismisses United crisis as Como brace for injury‑hit clash

Cesc Fabregas insists there is no crisis at Manchester United as his Como side prepare to host the English giants at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Wednesday, despite new injuries to Jesus Rodriguez and Trevoh Chalobah threatening his squad’s depth ahead of the match.

Champions League milestones

Cesc Fabregas led Como into the Champions League with a 4‑1 demolition of the Lariani’s RB Leipzig at the Stadio Sinigaglia, a result that marked the club’s first ever win in the competition. Their next fixture saw them surrender a lead to lose 3‑2 away to Feyenoord, leaving the Italian side with a narrow margin for the knockout phase. The Wednesday meeting with Manchester United will be the first Champions League home game ever hosted by Como and the first encounter with an English side in the club’s 119‑year history.

Injury setbacks and squad options

Fabregas confirmed that midfielder Jesus Rodriguez will miss the upcoming match, describing his problem as a ‘long stop’ that does not appear minor. Defender Trevoh Chalobah is also sidelined for at least two weeks, further limiting defensive depth. He added that forward Moise Kean remains out, Assane Diao suffers a thigh strain, and Tasos Douvikas will lead the attack, while the choice between Robert Sanchez and Jean Butez in goal remains undecided.

Fabregas’ vision and the upcoming clash

The Spanish tactician repeatedly stressed that there is no crisis at Manchester United, calling the notion a media invention and urging his players to focus on their own performance. He praised United’s history and size, yet warned his side to stay humble and study the English team’s system. Fabregas concluded that Como must play with focus, ambition and belief to try to win the three points on Wednesday at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST).

Fabregas first arrived at Como as a player when the club were in Serie B, later taking over as head coach and working closely with President Mirwan Suwarso. Together they have built a stable squad that climbed from Serie B three years ago to Serie A and now the Champions League, a trajectory he described as ‘historic for the club, the fans and the city’. He reminded everyone that the Lariani’s rise was achieved through collective effort and strong fan support.

Manchester United, now led by Michael Carrick, are under pressure after a recent domestic draw, prompting some journalists to speak of a crisis. Fabregas rejected that narrative, saying a crisis is invented by journalists and that United’s players simply need to give their best every three days. He declined to comment on whether he would consider the United job out of respect for Carrick.

Hosting Manchester United at the Stadio Sinigaglia places Como among a select group of Italian clubs to face English opposition in the Champions League, a milestone that underscores the club’s rapid ascent from Serie B. A positive result could cement the Lariani’s reputation and provide a morale boost for a side juggling a congested schedule. The match therefore represents both a test of quality and an opportunity to showcase the progress achieved since the club’s promotion four years ago.