Manchester United travelled to Italy for Champions League football and left with another painful reminder that their famous name no longer guarantees respect on the pitch. Como demolished United 4-1 on Wednesday night, exposing the English giants in a performance that had rival fans laughing and United supporters searching for explanations. Nico Paz struck in the second minute to give Como the perfect start before Anastasios Douvikas doubled the lead in the 49th minute. Paz then grabbed his second in the 57th minute, leaving United three goals down and looking completely lost. Jacobo Ramón added a fourth in the 76th minute, punishing another defensive lapse as Como turned the match into a nightmare for Michael Carrick's men. Joshua Zirkzee finally scored for United in stoppage time, but the consolation goal did little more than prevent the scoreline from looking even worse. United can point to that late goal if they want something positive to take home, but celebrating a stoppage-time consolation after conceding four goals would be a particularly generous interpretation of the evening. The result was especially embarrassing for a club whose European history includes multiple Champions League titles. Como, meanwhile, showed the composure and attacking sharpness that United desperately lacked. For Carrick, the defeat raises serious questions about his team's defensive organisation and ability to compete against opponents who exploit their weaknesses. For rival supporters, however, the jokes practically write themselves: United went to Como looking for European glory and ended up providing the entertainment. Four goals conceded, one consolation scored and a whole lot of explaining to do. Como delivered the football lesson; Manchester United supplied the punchline.