LONDON, Oct 22 — Short of confidence and bereft of ideas — have proud European giants Manchester United sunk to a new low after a 4-1 Champions League humbling on the shores of Lake Como?

The three-time European champions left northern Italy with their tails between their legs and serious questions over Michael Carrick’s future just two months into the season.

United avoided equalling their worst-ever defeat in Europe’s top competition by the skin of their teeth, thanks to a late goal from substitute Joshua Zirkzee.

But that did not mask an embarrassing defeat against a team playing in Italy’s fourth tier as recently as 2019.