Injuries to 13 players: United loses Martinez, Rashford and others
The eve of the Como‑Manchester United match is marked by a rain of injuries: the Red Devils will have to do without Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, while Cesc Fabregas has announced a long lay‑off for Jesus Rodriguez and cited Nico Paz as an example of growth.
The Red Devils will have to give up all the listed players, in addition to Leny Yoro who is suspended. The absence of Martinez and Rashford considerably weakens the defence and the attack. The list also includes promising youngsters such as Ayden Heaven and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fabregas explained that Jesus Rodriguez suffered a problem in the last second of training, not minor but more serious, so he will be out for a long time. He added that Chalobah will have at least two weeks off, equivalent to four or five games. He also noted that Kean could play on Saturday and that Diao can try out for Inter.
Como coach refuses the role
The Como coach, under pressure for a possible appointment as Manchester United manager, said: "As you can understand I don't want to answer. It's disrespectful to Michael Carrick, to an institution like the Red Devils".
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He went on to claim that the Red Devils are not in crisis, stating: "In football there is no such thing, in my opinion. I've never experienced it, you invent it". He reiterated that his team is professional and wants to compete from the very beginning.
The coach then praised Fabregas, saying: "We have a huge respect for him, but he gets angry when he has to, you can't always play well". He concluded by highlighting the improvements: "We have become a very good team, much better than three years ago and we improve every day".
Nico Paz, mentioned in the title, spoke like a grown‑up, emphasizing his desire to contribute to Como's project. The contrast between the numerous absences of the Red Devils and Como's determination highlights the difference in approach between the two clubs.