Cesc Fàbregas’ Como aim for a historic night vs Manchester United

Como, led by Cesc Fàbregas, is gearing up for a historic night against Manchester United in the Champions League. The Italian side arrive buoyed even as their visitors head to Italy amid serious problems, having gone six matches without a win—United’s worst run since 2018-19. As BBC Sport notes, Fàbregas called it “a historic day” for the club, the city and the fanbase.

From Serie B to Europe

The background explains the buzz: in five seasons under Fàbregas, Como went from Serie B to the Champions League. In 2025-26 they secured fourth place, with one key boost coming when AC Milan suffered a surprise defeat at Cagliari.

UEFA rules and the stadium

Two practical concerns hang over the build-up: how Como will comply with UEFA financial regulations, and the matchday conditions at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, where three quarters of the 12,300-capacity stands are uncovered if heavy rain hits at kick-off. CEO Mirwan Surwaso says scrutiny is there, but stresses that “we always have our books in order.” Fàbregas also tries to keep the group focused: “We don’t want to spend time thinking about what has passed.”