LOMBARDY RAIN WARNING PUTS COMO-UNITED MATCH IN DOUBT

An orange rain warning in Lombardy has raised concerns about Wednesday’s Champions League match between Como and Manchester United. Rain began on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday morning around Como. A forecast puts rainfall before kick-off at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia at 64mm, with more rain expected during the match. Lightning is also possible around kick-off. Como expect the pitch to hold up and the match to go ahead.

Only one of Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia’s four stands has a roof, leaving supporters in the other stands exposed to the rain. The match is scheduled to start at 5.45pm UK time. It will be Como’s first Champions League match against an English team. Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said of the weather: “No, nothing immediate from me, we’re used to the rain.” He added: “We’ll make the most of it!”

Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu missed Manchester United’s training session on Tuesday. United enter the match without a win in their past six games across all competitions. Their Champions League results this season include a 4-0 win over Sabah FK and a 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid. Martinez apologised after criticising United’s board following the Atletico match; he then played in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United before leaving at half-time with an injury. Cesc Fabregas leads Como, whose squad includes former United player Willy Kambwala.