Thierry Henry Hails Cesc Fabregas as Architect of Como’s Historic 4-1 Win Over Manchester United

FolioPitch.com – 22 October 2026 | Thierry Henry has lauded Cesc Fabregas for masterminding Como’s stunning rise, declaring that Henry Not many people knew Como players it s all down to Fabregas during a passionate analysis of the club’s historic 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United. The Arsenal legend, a minority shareholder in the Italian side, watched from the CBS Sports studio as Como dismantled the Premier League giants on Wednesday night, and he wasted no time in crediting his former teammate for the club’s remarkable transformation.

Nico Paz stole the headlines with two goals and an assist, but Henry insisted the collective performance was built on Fabregas’s vision and recruitment. “To see players like Jacobo Ramon, Yan Couto. People will talk about Nico Paz, or about Da Cunha because he plays for the French national team. But to be able to go and get players that not a lot of people knew, to make a team out of it. Look at where they are, where we are,” Henry said. It was a clear reference to Henry Not many people knew Como players it s all down to Fabregas, highlighting the Spaniard’s eye for untapped talent.

Como’s victory at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium was their biggest result in club history, and it came just days after they had secured a hard-fought point against RB Leipzig. The win lifted them to six points from three Champions League matches, making them the best-placed Italian team in the league phase. Henry, who played 100 games alongside Fabregas at Arsenal, was quick to point out that the foundations were laid long before this European adventure. “How Cesc managed to put that team together. Now you’ll tell me Da Cunha is good. You’ll tell me Nico Paz is good. Or Jacobo Ramon. But nobody told me that two years ago or three years ago, when they were in Serie B. That’s all down to Cesc and what’s happening there with the community that embraces Cesc and the new ownership,” he added.

The Frenchman also praised Fabregas’s tactical clarity, noting that Como’s identity is evident in every match. “You can watch that every game in Italy. Cesc wants to dominate, put pressure. There’s a clear idea on and off the ball. This doesn’t mean you’ll win every single game, but when you watch the team, you know what they are about. They don’t panic,” Henry explained. That composure was on full display against United, as Como took the lead inside two minutes through Paz and never looked back. Anastasios Douvikas added a second-half strike, and Paz completed his brace to seal a famous night.

Henry’s praise for Fabregas’s recruitment strategy is particularly noteworthy given Como’s recent history. The club finished fourth in Serie A last season to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, a remarkable achievement for a side that was in Serie B just a few years ago. Fabregas, who took over as manager in 2024, has assembled a squad of relative unknowns and turned them into a cohesive, high-pressing unit. Players like Ramon, Couto, and Paz have flourished under his guidance, and the results are now attracting global attention.

For Henry, the victory over United was more than just three points. “That’s what happened, and you arrive now beating Man United 4-1. Which doesn’t mean anything apart from the fact that you beat Man United 4-1, and that is also the biggest result in the history of the club. One of the best nights ever. You want more nights like that,” he said. The sentiment was echoed by the Como faithful, who have embraced Fabregas and the new ownership group. Henry’s own involvement as a minority shareholder adds another layer to the story, and his willingness to publicly champion Fabregas’s work speaks volumes about the respect between the two men.

As Como prepare for their next Champions League fixture, the spotlight will remain on Fabregas and his ability to sustain this momentum. Henry’s words serve as a reminder that success in modern football is often built on smart recruitment and a clear tactical identity rather than big-name signings. Henry Not many people knew Como players it s all down to Fabregas is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a testament to the Spaniard’s meticulous planning and the culture he has instilled at the club. With the club’s stock rising rapidly, it will be fascinating to see how far this Como project can go.

In conclusion, Thierry Henry’s glowing endorsement of Cesc Fabregas highlights the remarkable job being done at Como. The 4-1 win over Manchester United was a landmark moment, but it was built on years of hard work, shrewd signings, and a clear football philosophy. As Henry himself put it, Henry Not many people knew Como players it s all down to Fabregas, and that is perhaps the highest compliment a former teammate could pay. For now, Como and Fabregas can savour a historic night, but the ambition at the club suggests this is just the beginning.