Manchester United return to Champions League action on Wednesday evening as they take on Cesc Fàbregas' Como side, who are enjoying their first-ever campaign in the competition.

While the Italian outfit may lack extensive European experience, they are expected to provide a stern challenge for Michael Carrick's men, particularly given United’s inconsistent start to the 2026/27 season.

The Red Devils have managed just two victories so far this calendar year and were held to a draw by Leeds United in their most recent outing. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United before Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted an equaliser to earn Leeds a share of the points.

In Europe, United’s campaign has produced mixed results. They cruised to a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid, a match that generated significant attention due to Lisandro Martínez's comments after the final whistle.

With pressure mounting on Carrick, the clash against Como could prove pivotal in shaping his future at Old Trafford, although he will once again be forced to cope without a full-strength squad.

Lisandro Martinez was the main talking point ahead of Manchester United's weekend clash with Leeds due to his explosive comments about the club's hierarchy after the defeat at Atletico Madrid.

The defender apologised on social media for the timing of his comments, and Carrick explained that the issue was behind them before Martinez started at Elland Road.

But after an issue in the first half of the game, Martinez was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui at half-time with what seemed to be an injury.

Former United captain Ashley Young, who criticised the Argentine for his interview in Spain, was unconvinced that the 28-year-old was actually injured.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Young said: "It was said that obviously all week everything was Lisandro Martínez. 

"So, instead of creating more of a hype around it: 'Oh, he's been left out,' which would be the talk before the game, and the talk after the game, play him. OK, come off at half-time... with an injury.

"Is he injured?"

However, Young's theory about Martinez has seemed to be proven wrong after journalists were welcomed into Carrington on Tuesday afternoon.

Ahead of United's clash with Como in the Champions League, Carrick's side were training at their facilities, and it was noted that Martinez was not among those on the grass.

The Argentine is unlikely to be travelling to Italy, proving that he had actually picked up an injury in the draw with Leeds.

It is always questionable when pundits question players about their fitness and whether they are faking injuries. Young certainly wouldn't have liked to be accused of the same when he was a player at Old Trafford.

But now, heading into an important European clash, United have a barebones backline with Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire being the only fully fit senior options.

Carrick may look to introduce Matthijs de Ligt to the side as the Dutchman has been involved in recent matchday squads, but he has still not stepped foot on the pitch since last November.

Otherwise, the United boss would have to shuffle things around – he could potentially start Harry Amass as the left-back, or even use someone like Carlos Baleba in that position, but it is far from ideal.