Rio Ferdinand Blasts Man United After Como Humiliation: ‘It Looked Like They Had 12 Players’

FolioPitch.com – 22 October 2026 | Manchester United‘s Champions League campaign hit a new low on Wednesday night as Serie A side Como dismantled the Red Devils 4-1 at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, and club legend Rio Ferdinand did not hold back in his assessment of the performance. Speaking on social media after the match, Ferdinand feels Como had 12 players on the pitch in the 4-1 win over Man United, crediting Cesc Fabregas‘s side for a display that made the Premier League giants look utterly out of their depth.

The match was effectively over inside two minutes when Nico Paz pounced to give Como the lead, and the hosts never looked back. Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon added second-half goals before Paz completed his brace, while Joshua Zirkzee’s late consolation for United did little to mask the gulf in class. It was a result that left Ferdinand questioning everything about his former club’s approach.

Ferdinand’s Scathing Verdict

In a post on X, Ferdinand did not mince his words. “Cesc Fabregas and Como have made us look like a team who had won a RAFFLE to be in the Champions League,” he wrote. “At times it looked as though Como had 12 players on the pitch. We were TOOTHLESS in attack, NO running power in the team, an INABILITY to press Como, NO patterns in possession.” The former England defender’s comments echoed the frustration of United supporters who watched their side be outplayed in every department.

The phrase that Ferdinand feels Como had 12 players on the pitch in the 4-1 win over Man United has resonated widely, capturing the sense that Fabregas’s men were always one step ahead. Their movement, pressing, and positional discipline made it appear as though they had an extra man, and United had no answer.

Fabregas Masterclass

Much of the credit must go to Fabregas, whose managerial stock continues to rise. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has built a Como side that is greater than the sum of its parts, and Ferdinand was quick to acknowledge the Spaniard’s influence. “A lot of credit has to go to Cesc and the way he has built this team, and then you see the way he has got his ideas into this team,” Ferdinand added. “Everyone knows their jobs and are dialled in in and out of possession. They play to teammates under pressure – a great example of trust in one another.”

Como’s victory was no fluke. They dominated possession, created chances at will, and defended with intelligence. The fact that Ferdinand feels Como had 12 players on the pitch in the 4-1 win over Man United is a testament to how well-drilled they were, swarming United in every phase of play.

United’s Woes Deepen

For United, the problems are mounting. Ferdinand described the team as “poor on the night” and “a team on zero confidence right now,” adding that there is “so much to do to turn this around.” He also noted the injury crisis at Old Trafford, though he insisted it was no excuse for such a limp display. The disparity in budgets between the two clubs was, in Ferdinand’s words, not reflected on the pitch.

United’s attack lacked penetration, their midfield was overrun, and their defence was repeatedly exposed. Zirkzee’s late goal was the only bright spot on an otherwise miserable evening. The defeat leaves United with serious questions to answer as they attempt to salvage their Champions League campaign.

Como’s Rising Stock

For Como, the win is another landmark moment in their remarkable rise. With six points from three matches, they are currently the best-placed Serie A team in the Champions League standings. It was a positive round overall for Italian clubs, who secured four wins from four games, further enhancing the reputation of Serie A on the European stage.

Nico Paz, in particular, caught the eye with a brace, and Ferdinand reserved special praise for the young Argentine. “Nico Paz – lovely footballer by the way,” he wrote. The 21-year-old’s performance underlined why Como are being taken seriously as contenders, not just participants.

Conclusion

As the dust settles on a humbling night for Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand’s assessment will sting. The fact that Ferdinand feels Como had 12 players on the pitch in the 4-1 win over Man United highlights the tactical and technical gulf between the two sides. For Como and Fabregas, it was a statement victory that signals their arrival on the European stage. For United, it was a stark reminder of the work required to restore former glories. The only consolation for the Red Devils is that the season is still young – but on this evidence, the road back to the top is longer than anyone at Old Trafford would like to admit.