Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Como 1907 faces the threat of postponement as heavy rainfall batters northern Italy. The Red Devils have traveled to mainland Europe for their third Champions League match of the season, but significant uncertainty surrounds whether the tie will go ahead.
Lombardy, the region where Como is situated, has been placed under an orange weather warning for rain. The alert signals hazardous conditions, and authorities are urging vigilance.
As forecast, the rain arrived on Tuesday and has persisted into Wednesday morning, leaving the pitch waterlogged and conditions treacherous.
Rain and lightning threaten kick-off
Forecasters predict 64mm of rainfall before kick-off at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Just one of the stadium’s four stands provides shelter, so supporters are bracing for a sodden evening.
Lightning adds a further threat. Even so, Como remain optimistic that the pitch will hold up and that they can avoid a postponement.
Carrick unfazed by the weather
United have won one and lost one of their opening two Champions League fixtures. Under-pressure manager Michael Carrick dismissed any concerns about the conditions ahead of the match.
“No, nothing immediate from me, we’re used to the rain,” he said. “We’ll make the most of it!”
The Manchester club have won just two games all campaign. They now face a Como side on an upward trajectory, managed by former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas. Former United defender Willy Kambwala features in the Como squad.
Six players missing from training
Carrick’s squad trained on Tuesday without six players, a absence that could significantly influence team selection. Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu were the missing figures.
Carrick says he feels backed
The United manager also insisted that he senses support from senior figures at the club, despite overseeing the poorest start to a season in 40 years.
“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.”