Ferdinand: Como looked like 12 men on the pitch

Serie A side Como beat Manchester United 4-1 in the third round of the Champions League. Nico Paz scored twice, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also found the net. Paz scored the first goal in the second minute of the match, and Cesc Fabregas's players added the other three in the second half.

United's only goal came in the closing minutes from substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who previously played for Bologna.

Former England international and ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand shared his assessment on his X account after the match. Ferdinand wrote that at times Como looked as if they were playing with 12 players on the pitch. He said he found United ineffective in attack, weak in running power, lacking in pressing and disorganised on the ball. He also added that the team looked as if they had got into the Champions League through a lottery.

Ferdinand also praised the team Fabregas has built. He said everyone knows their role and that the players pass to each other with trust even under pressure. Still, he noted that this is no excuse for United, that the team looked short of confidence and that injuries are a separate problem. Ferdinand, who said the budget gap between the two sides did not show on the pitch, also called Nico Paz a lovely footballer.

With six points from three matches, Como became the best-placed Serie A team in the Champions League standings. Italian clubs finished the week with four wins in four matches.