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Manchester United may be enduring one of the most dismal starts to a season in their history, yet Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas still views the Red Devils as the favorites to claim all three points when the two sides meet on Wednesday in the Champions League.
It has been well over a month since Man United last tasted victory, failing to win in their last six outings across all competitions. There is still some distance to go before they equal the club's longest winless run, but Michael Carrick's squad already hold the unwanted distinction of recording United's worst start to a league campaign in four decades.
Even so, Fàbregas is not underestimating United's danger despite their difficult spell. While he couldn't conceal his enthusiasm about staging such a high-profile fixture, he also acknowledged that the visiting Red Devils are the stronger side.
"It's a fantastic match against one of the greatest and most storied clubs in history," Fàbregas said on the eve of the game. "It's a match to dream about, but we must try to do our best to try to win and pick up the three points.
"We gradually have to understand what it means to face top-tier sides, when you know they are better than you, but you still have to compete with what you have," he added. "Our inner strength and mentality are what must make us resilient and allow us to believe that we can pull it off."
Fàbregas Emphatically Shuts Down Man Utd Links
What Fàbregas has accomplished at Como's helm over the past three seasons—guiding them from Serie B all the way to the Champions League—has firmly established him as one of the most coveted young managers in European football.
The former midfield maestro turned manager has now attracted the attention of some of the continent's biggest clubs, who are eager to lure him away from Como. Man Utd are among the sides linked with the Spanish tactician as a possible successor to the under-pressure Carrick.
Ahead of the match, Fàbregas was questioned about potentially replacing Carrick, the man he faced as an opponent during his playing days. The Spanish boss was having none of it, firmly declining to even entertain the notion.
"I won't answer that question because I don't think it's a very respectful one," Fàbregas said. "I don't think it shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick, who is in charge of a wonderful Manchester United side."
For the time being, Fàbregas remains entirely focused on continuing to propel Como's ascent among Italy's elite. Wednesday's encounter against a legendary club is the reward for the excellent work done so far, but Como and their manager are hungry for even more.
Como Hosting Man Utd in Champions League Is 'Dream Come True'
Despite their torrid form at the start of the season, Man Utd remain one of the most iconic clubs in world football. For Como—a team that spent more than two decades outside Italy's top flight until 2024 and endured not one but two bankruptcies—welcoming a club of United's stature represents a truly historic occasion.
Never in the club's 119-year existence had a team of such global standing—outside of Italian heavyweights—set foot at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Fàbregas is acutely aware of this, which is why he has no hesitation in describing this landmark moment in Como's history as a "dream come true."
"They are a tremendous club," Fàbregas said of Man Utd. "Just three years ago, when we were in Serie B, it would have been unimaginable that Manchester United could come to the Sinigaglia. Yet on Wednesday, that is exactly what will happen. For us, it's a dream come true. We'll take our chances."
What promises to be a dream evening for Fàbregas and the Lombardy club could turn into a nightmare for United and Carrick if they are unable to snap their winless streak on Wednesday.