Manchester United's start to the season has hit crisis mode after they were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that one manager has already ruled out replacing Michael Carrick.

Man United came into the clash in Northern Italy having only won two of their 10 matches this term, but their form was to hit a new low against Cesc Fabregas' men.

In rain-drenched conditions, the visitors found themselves a goal behind in the second minute when Diogo Dalot afforded Nico Paz too much time, and he punished him with a fine finish.

While the scoreline remained at 1-0 until half-time, United collapsed in the second half and looked on course to lose 4-0 before Joshua Zirkzee's injury-time consolation, but it did nothing to cover up what was a dreadful performance from everyone involved.

A week after Lisandro Martinez aimed public criticism at Jason Wilcox over the club's summer transfer business, captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to take aim at Carrick for his tactical decisions, having been taken off in the 65th minute.

The reigning PFA Players' Player of the Year has now gone seven games without a goal contribution, with all of his goals and assists this season coming in the wins against Ipswich Town and Sabah.

• July 2024 — Cesc Fabregas signed a four-year deal as Como's permanent head coach.
• May 2025 — Fabregas steered newly promoted Como to 10th place in Serie A.
• May 2026 — Como finished fourth, sealing a first-ever Champions League qualification.
• May 2026 — Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick permanently, replacing Ruben Amorim until 2028.
• Summer 2026 — Fabregas turned down United's interest, committing himself fully to Como.

Meanwhile, Carrick had a win percentage of more than 70% when he was given the job on a permanent basis at the end of last season, but it now sits at less than 20% this term and the pressure is mounting on him.

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, the 45-year-old is set to be in the dugout when they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, but he needs a positive result.

A number of names are already being linked with the job should United chiefs decide to sack Carrick, including Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

According to Romano, Como boss Cesc Fabregas has already rejected the chance to replace the former Middlesbrough boss at Old Trafford, given how happy he is with the Serie A outfit's project.

Fabergas Not an Option for Man United

Speaking on his YouTube channel in the aftermath of United's defeat in Como, Romano revealed that Fabregas has already turned down United having been admired by some in the hierarchy.

He said: "Before that decision [to appoint CarrIck], when they were considering coaches, Cesc Fabregas, who destroyed Man United with Como, was really appreciated by Man United.

But Fabregas was in any case not going to become the new United coach for one reason. Fabregas is completely involved in the Como project. Fabregas is in love with the Como project, and so Fabregas was never going to leave in summer 2026.

"He wanted to lead Como into Champions League football, but Fabregas was one of the names appreciated by people at Manchester United. Then this was still not going to happen, even if Man United had sacked Michael Carrick, because Fabregas is completely focused on Como, and we saw how good that project is."

While Fabregas' initial rejection came earlier this year, Romano's comments suggest that the 39-year-old very much remains focused on the Como project and has no interest in leaving for another club, especially not one he's just thrashed in the Champions League.

What is also clear is that he is very highly-regarded by his employers, who believe that he is even better now than he was when he was a player.

Speaking in 2024, Como sporting director Carlaaliberto Ludi said:

It has already happened. Cesc was a world-class player and he is even better as a coach.

The interest in Fabregas is not surprising given how successful he has been as a manager for them, and how quickly the success has come.

After taking over as the club's permanent manager in July 2024 following their promotion to Serie A, the Spaniard led the club to a 10th-place finish in their first season back in the top flight, before they ended the campaign in fourth last time out to qualify for the Champions League.

United may need to soon decide on who they are going to target as their next manager, but it is very unlikely to be Fabregas.