According to a report by BBC Sport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Rio Ferdinand criticised Manchester United after their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, saying Cesc Fabregas’ side made the Premier League club look like undeserving participants in the competition.

United suffered another setback in a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign, with Como dominating proceedings in Italy and exposing several weaknesses in Michael Carrick’s team.

Nico Paz opened the scoring inside two minutes before setting up Tasos Douvikas for Como’s second goal. Paz completed his brace after the hour mark, while Jacobo Ramon added a fourth with a header. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for United.

Reacting to the performance, Ferdinand did not hide his frustration, questioning United’s attacking threat, pressing and overall organisation.

“Cesc Fabregas’ Como have made us look like a team who had won a raffle to be in the Champions League,” he posted on X.

“At times it looked as though Como had 12 players on the pitch. We were toothless in attack, no running power in the team, no patterns of play and an inability to press Como.”

The former United defender also praised Fabregas for establishing a clear playing identity at Como, highlighting the team’s understanding of their responsibilities and ability to perform under pressure.

However, Ferdinand insisted that Como’s superior display could not be excused by the difference in resources between the two clubs.

“The difference in budgets certainly wasn’t reflected in the difference between the two teams on the pitch! Nico Paz – lovely footballer by the way,” he added.

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov also expressed concern about the result, suggesting that the performance raised serious questions about the squad and the manager.

“Como outplayed them in every way possible. It was like they were playing a reserve team, almost,” Berbatov said on TNT Sports.

He added: “Are these the players who can compete for a club like Manchester United? Is it the right manager? Those questions will be asked after this kind of performance.”

Carrick apologised to travelling supporters after the match, describing the display as “not just bad but unacceptable”.

United have now won just two of their first 11 matches across all competitions this season, increasing the pressure on the team to respond.