Manchester United suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Italian side Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, increasing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick after a porous defensive display.

The visitors got off to a disastrous start in northern Italy, falling behind after just 118 seconds when Argentine playmaker Nico Paz scored from close range.

The early strike meant Manchester United became the first English club in history to concede within the opening two minutes of consecutive major European matches, following a similarly chaotic start against Atlético Madrid eight days prior.

Paz dominated proceedings throughout, scoring twice and setting up Tasos Douvikas for Como’s third before Jacobo Ramón added a fourth with a powerful second-half header.

Historic contrast

The result highlights a remarkable trajectory for the hosts. When Manchester United last lifted the Champions League trophy in 2008, Como were playing in Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football.

Facing the prospect of matching their heaviest-ever European defeat—a 5-0 loss to Sporting CP in 1964—Carrick made several sweeping changes.

Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos were withdrawn at half-time, while captain Bruno Fernandes was substituted midway through the second period for Joshua Zirkzee.

United managed a late consolation goal deep into stoppage time when Zirkzee beat the offside trap to finish a cross from fellow substitute Amad Diallo, but it did little to soften a dismal evening for the Premier League side.

The defeat leaves United struggling for momentum in their European campaign as Carrick faces renewed questions over his team’s structural discipline.