Fabregas rues late Zirkzee goal after Como’s 4-1 win over Manchester United
Cesc Fàbregas admitted that Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United was not quite the perfect evening he wanted after Joshua Zirkzee’s stoppage-time goal denied his side a clean sheet at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Como make their mark against Manchester United
Como produced one of the standout results of their European campaign on Wednesday, overpowering the three-time European champions to increase the pressure on Manchester United manager Michael Carrick.
- Nico Paz was named man of the match after scoring twice.
- Tasos Douvikas added another for Como.
- Jacobo Ramón also found the net in the 4-1 win.
- United substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored in added time for the visitors.
The Italian side controlled the contest and Fàbregas was particularly pleased with the tactical level of his players’ display. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said Como had played a very good game from that standpoint.
Fàbregas rues late instruction
Despite the scale of the result, the Como coach felt responsible for United’s late consolation. With Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Sassuolo already in mind, he told his players to reduce the intensity while holding a four-goal lead.
Fàbregas said he regretted the final 10 minutes, explaining that he had asked the team to manage the match rather than continue at the same pace. He specifically instructed Douvikas to stop making runs and remain centrally.
The 38-year-old said that decision went against his own usual approach, as he normally demands that his teams keep competing until the final whistle. Zirkzee’s goal, he said, hurt him despite Como’s emphatic victory.
Attention turns to Sassuolo
Como now return to domestic action on Saturday against Sassuolo, with Fàbregas seeking another strong response from a side continuing to build momentum in Serie A as well as in Europe.
