Manchester United prepare for their first-ever Champions League meeting with Como on Wednesday evening. The League Stage match kicks off at 17:45 local time at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with United looking to arrest a worrying slide in form.

United travel to Italy on the back of a six-game winless streak across all competitions. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Saturday, where Bryan Mbeumo's first-half strike was cancelled out after the break. That result left the club 13th in the Premier League table with just seven points from seven matches, a stark 14 points behind leaders Manchester City. Mbeumo, who has scored four goals this season, is expected to lead the line again.

Team news and availability

Manuel Ugarte is out with a cruciate ligament tear, while Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo also remain sidelined. Lisandro Martínez was substituted at half-time against Leeds and his availability is unclear, with Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Šeško and Ayden Heaven also missing recent games. For Como, winger Assane Diao is a confirmed absentee with a hamstring strain.

The Italian challenge

This fixture marks United's eighth different Italian opponent in European competition, following previous clashes with AC Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Inter, Juventus, Lazio and Roma. The club has a strong recent record in Italy, losing only once in their last eight visits. Their most recent trip, five years ago, saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Atalanta.

Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, present a formidable challenge. They sit fifth in Serie A and are unbeaten in their last three home league matches. Their Champions League campaign began with a stunning 4-1 home win over RB Leipzig, though they lost 3-2 at Feyenoord last time out in Europe.

Coverage on MUTV's Match Day Live begins at 16:45 BST. "MUTV's Match Day Live coverage will begin one hour before kick-off, from 16:45 BST," confirmed club ambassador Dion Dublin. The match is also being broadcast on TNT Sports and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland.

United's focus will then quickly turn to domestic matters, with a Premier League home game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.