Como vs Manchester United Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 21 October 2026
π The third round of the league phase of the Champions League continues, and football fans have a number of intriguing fixtures to look forward to. Como are hosting visitors from England, with Manchester United travelling to take on the Italian side in a match where both teams will be looking for important points. The two clubs are level in the table, each having picked up three points from their opening two rounds. Como under Cesc FΓ bregas have attracted an extraordinary amount of attention, and their results so far have shown they have every chance of finishing high and reaching the knockout phase play-offs. United come into this match on a run of six games without a win across all competitions, and things will not be straightforward for the Red Devils away from home either. Can United end that winless run?
π Keep an eye on this preview for updates: if any significant news emerges, we will adjust our recommendations. Check back closer to kick-off.
The first head-to-head meeting
π Como are playing their first season in European competition and could not previously have met Manchester United outside of friendly matches. The two clubs have never faced each other on the football pitch, and this match will be the first meeting between them.
Head-to-head statistics Como - Manchester United

Como live up to expectations
In their very first UEFA match, the Italian side produced a dominant win, giving Leipzig no chance in front of their own supporters (4-1). In the second round, the Blues faced a trip to the Netherlands to face Feyenoord - Cesc FΓ bregas's side put up a fight and scored twice, but could not avoid defeat (2-3). Now they return to home surroundings and will do everything they can to repeat the result they achieved against the Germans.
In Serie A, the team made a confident start, picking up 14 points from seven rounds. Notably, serious opponents in Roma and Napoli caused the Blues no problems, and their only defeat in the Italian league at the start of the season came away at Frosinone (0-2). In their most recent match, Como made the trip to Florence to face Fiorentina. It was an even game - the Viola attacked more and had more shots - but the visitors were more clinical (3-1). That said, the team's attacking output had been declining in recent matches. While Como were scoring at roughly twice their xG in the early Serie A rounds, that changed in the matches against Parma, Frosinone and Roma, where their scoring dried up entirely. The last game against Fiorentina gives reason to believe that productive football has returned.
Match Results: Como

Manchester United: in pursuit of victories
It has been far from the start to the season that the Red Devils' fans were dreaming of. Their Champions League campaign has been a mixed affair. United played their first match at Old Trafford against Sabah, thrashing the Azerbaijanis 4-0. In the second matchday they travelled to Madrid to face AtlΓ©tico, but the hosts proved stronger - United lost 0-2 and finished with ten men.
Away from home, Michael Carrick's side have struggled this season. Five away matches and not a single win - three draws and two defeats. Their most recent away fixture came last weekend at Elland Road against Leeds and ended in another draw, 1-1. The team lack defensive solidity, which prevents them from playing with freedom and imposing themselves on opponents when it matters. Repeated errors in their own half have repeatedly cost the Devils goals and points.
Match Results: Manchester United
Latest news
Como
β Trevoh Chalobah was forced off with an injury in the 14th minute of Sunday's Serie A match against Fiorentina, casting doubt over his availability for the Champions League fixture against Manchester United. Moise Kean is not being treated for a serious injury, but has had problems in the same area of his leg in the past season and will most likely miss several matches due to the congested schedule.
β Assane Diao has a minor left thigh strain and will only attempt to return for the match against Inter.
π Update - 21 October, 6:22 UTC:
- The left attacking flank will be Como's most problematic area in the upcoming match. In addition to Diao's absence, another winger - JesΓΊs RodrΓguez - picked up an injury in training. According to Sempre Como, the Spaniard is expected to be out for around two months. The only available option on the left side of the attack is once again Maxance Caqueret, who is nominally a central midfielder.
Manchester United
β Kobbie Mainoo's involvement is in doubt after he missed two matches last week. Lisandro MartΓnez was substituted at half-time against Leeds with a thigh injury, and whether he will be available is currently unknown. Luke Shaw has been absent from the club's recent matches and there is no reliable information yet on whether he will play.
β Leny Yoro is suspended following his red card against AtlΓ©tico Madrid. Patrick Dorgu did not feature in Saturday's Premier League match against Tottenham and, according to manager Michael Carrick, he will be out for several weeks. Benjamin Ε eΕ‘ko has no clear return date and will not take part in the match. Manuel Ugarte remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.
π Update - 21 October, 10:06 UTC:
- Aidan Heaven has still not recovered from illness. The 20-year-old defender missed training on the eve of the match. Against that backdrop, Harry Amass looks the likely option to start. According to Michael Carrick, the 19-year-old could make his first start for Manchester United this season.
π Update - 21 October, 12:53 UTC:
- Lisandro MartΓnez did not travel with Manchester United to Italy. Matthijs de Ligt, however, has been included in the squad for the first time in 2026. Carrick is unlikely to risk starting a defender who has barely played for almost a year, but it is at least some consolation given the large number of defensive injuries.
Predicted Lineups
π Predicted starting XI for Como: Butez - Valle, Kempf, Ramon, Couto - Da Cunha, Perrone - Baturina, Paz, Liberali - Douvikas.
π Predicted starting XI for Manchester United: Lammens - Dalot, Heaven, Mazraoui, Maguire - Tielemans, Baleba, Santos, Fernandes - Mbeumo, Cunha.
β½ Goals Prediction
Both sides frequently exchange goals with their opponents. In the English Championship, United have both scored and conceded in 5 of their 7 matches. Como have similar numbers in Serie A. At the start of the season, both teams are playing with attacking intent, often at the cost of defensive errors. Prediction - Both Teams to Score - Yes, odds 1.52*.π© Corners Prediction
Under Cesc FΓ bregas, the Italian club play bold, combination football with heavy use of the flanks. The Red Devils have quick wide players who frequently take on their opponents and create danger in the penalty area. Manchester United's style is often built on rapid transitions from defence to attack, which forces opposition defenders to cut out crosses by conceding corners. The prediction is Total Corners - Over 8.5 at 1.50*.π¨ Yellow Cards Prediction
Como play an emotional and bold style of football, but when they lose the ball in their own half or during transitional phases, the Italian club frequently resort to tactical fouls. Against top clubs, the hosts' aggression in the tackle tends to rise. The individual dribbling of Manchester United's forwards will regularly force the home defenders into fouls, leading to frequent bookings. Our prediction is Total Yellow Cards - Over 2.5, priced at 1.48*.π Player Stat Bet
Bryan Mbeumo has scored two goals in his last two Premier League matches. His goals are also the only ones Manchester United fans have seen in their team's last three games. Our pick is Bryan Mbeumo to Score or Assist, priced at 2.21*.
π± Risky Bet
According to bookmaker odds, Como come into this match as slight favourites. In our view, though, Manchester United's core of players with European experience should be capable of ensuring they don't lose. We expect a goalscoring draw. The risky bet is Draw + Both Teams to Score - Yes, priced at 4.2*.
π― Reliable Bet
Nine of United's ten matches at the start of the season have produced at least two goals. In all of their away matches, the combined total has gone over 1.5 goals. These facts are enough to make Total Goals - Over 1.5 the reliable bet at 1.19*.
π If the match doesn't go to script
If Manchester United, given their weakened defence, opt for a cautious approach and avoid unnecessary risks - preferring instead to play for one or two clear-cut chances - then a scenario where we see a maximum of two goals becomes plausible. The two sides are close together in the table, and a pragmatic approach in such an important match is not a bad idea at all. So the alternative bet if things unfold that way from the first minute is Total Goals - Under 2.5, priced at 2.36*.
*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.
βοΈ Editor's Prediction
Nevertheless, a number of factors point towards a high-scoring match. The teams' styles of play, the visitors' defensive problems, a frequent exchange of goals, and the battle for positions in the table. The first goal will inevitably open the game up and bring at least a couple more with it. Manchester United have repeatedly thrown away wins and even draws this season through errors in their own third. It seems quite likely that the visitors will make mistakes again under pressure from the home crowd. The main prediction is Total Goals - Over 2.5. Correct score prediction: 2-2.