Manchester United’s Champions League trip to Como faces uncertainty as heavy rain batters the Italian region, threatening to disrupt the match scheduled at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Lombardy, where Como is located, remains under an orange weather warning for rain, signalling hazardous conditions and prompting concerns about the game's viability.
Persistent rainfall since Tuesday has left the pitch saturated, with forecasts predicting up to 64mm of rain before kick-off. Only one of the stadium’s four stands is covered, meaning fans must prepare for a wet evening. Lightning poses an additional risk, but Como’s officials are confident the pitch will hold and the match will proceed as planned.
United arrive in Italy for their third Champions League game of the season after recording one win and one loss in their opening two fixtures. Manager Michael Carrick has dismissed worries over the weather, telling The Mirror, “No, nothing immediate from me, we're used to the rain. We'll make the most of it!”
Carrick’s squad trained on Tuesday with six players missing, which could affect his team selection. Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu were absent from the session. The Manchester club has won just twice across all competitions so far this season and faces a Como side on the rise under former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas. The Italian team includes ex-United defender Willy Kambwala in their ranks.
Despite overseeing United’s poorest start to a campaign in four decades, Carrick said he feels supported by the club hierarchy. “I don't need any reassurance. It's pretty clear. I know the role, I know my responsibilities, I don't need anyone to tell me when it's going well or when it needs to be better,” he said. “I know the realities and have no problem with that. I know we got to win football games for everything to flow and fit into place. I feel backed, yeah, why wouldn't I? I have a really good relationship with everyone at the football club. There are no issues on that side.”
The storm warnings have cast a shadow over the fixture, with the possibility of postponement hanging over the teams. Como’s confidence in the pitch’s condition contrasts with the warnings that have unsettled supporters and officials alike. The outcome of this fixture could have implications for both clubs in the group stage, adding another layer of tension amid challenging weather conditions.
According to Yahoo Sports.
