Fabregas regrets slowing Como as Man United suffer thrashing

Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he told his Como side to “slow down” during their Champions League demolition of Michael Carrick’s Manchester United in Naples, a decision he now regrets despite the 4‑0 lead. The match, which saw Nico Paz score a double and contributions from Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon, left United reeling.

Como dominate in Naples

Como surged ahead to 4‑0 after 76 minutes, thanks to a sublime double from Nico Paz and further efforts from Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon. The visitors’ display was described as woeful, prompting the heavy scoreline.

United’s defeat matched their joint‑heaviest Champions League loss, adding pressure on Michael Carrick amid a seven‑game winless run across all competitions.

Fabregas' tactical regret

“I believe that tactically speaking the team played a rather good game,” Fabregas said, recalling the night he guided Como to their first ever Champions League qualification last season. “I regret maybe the last 10 minutes when I was the one telling the team to slow down the pace because there was another game and maybe with a 4‑0 lead they could have managed something.”

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He added, “I told Tasos Douvikas not to run anymore, to stay in the middle and maybe that is what I regret, because I’m the first one who always pushes the fight until the end. That [Zirkzee] goal hurt me.”

Joshua Zirkzee later netted a late consolation for Carrick’s beleaguered side, reducing the margin but not altering the overall narrative.

Michael Carrick, addressing the press, expressed anger at the performance but insisted the squad must move on. “I’m really angry but you’ve got to move on and deal with what’s next and see what that looks like,” he said, noting the work required before the next game.

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Bruno Fernandes also criticised the tactics, adding to the scrutiny surrounding Carrick after the northern Italy encounter. (Reuters)