Why Cesc Fabregas Could Be the Manager Manchester United Needs
Cesc Fabregas: A Rising Coaching Star at Como
Manchester United might be considering Cesc Fabregas as a replacement for Michael Carrick, given the Spaniard's impressive work with Como. Once one of the finest midfielders of his generation and a World Cup winner, Fabregas has surprised many by thriving as a coach. Taking Como from Serie B to the Champions League in under three years shows the impact he’s had.
The Red Devils previously tried to sign Fabregas during his playing days, so it makes sense they’d be interested now that he’s showing exceptional leadership from the sidelines.
A New Chapter at Como
Fabregas’s last season as a player at Monaco was tough due to injuries, limiting him to just 36 minutes in the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season. Despite being 35, he wasn’t ready to quit; he sought a fresh challenge, one offering a clear path into coaching. Como’s offer intrigued him the most.
Before joining, Fabregas had only visited Lake Como a few times and didn’t realize the town had a football club. Few knew about Como FC until recently.
Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, discovered the club by chance while scouting locations for a football documentary. This led to the Indonesian Djarum Group purchasing the team in 2019. Without their financial support and former Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise’s involvement, Como wouldn’t have reached its current heights. But Fabregas’s influence has been vital.
"I was practically given the keys to the football side of things," Fabregas told DAZN Italia after securing Champions League qualification with a 4-1 win over Cremonese in the 2025-26 Serie A season. "There was almost nothing when we started. I talked to physios who remembered doing massages on tables in a bar back then. Now, we're in the Champions League!"
Building Como’s Identity and Success
Even though the Djarum Group invested heavily, Como focused on discovering overlooked talent rather than buying big names. Argentine Nico Paz is a perfect example. Signed in 2024 from Real Madrid, where he barely played, Paz credits Fabregas for his growth:
"Cesc brought me here and believed in me. From day one, he let me play freely and taught me a lot. The player I am today is because of him."
Fabregas prioritizes character alongside skill when signing players. Lucas Da Cunha, Como’s captain and a member of France’s national team, embodies this philosophy.
"I prefer a player with less talent but more hunger," Fabregas said at the Festival dello Sport. "Da Cunha’s mentality is incredible, so he deserves all the credit for his achievements."
Mirwan Suwarso described Fabregas as Como’s "CEO of football," emphasizing his role in shaping the club's DNA and strategy along with the board.
"Unlike other clubs, we make decisions as a committee including Cesc and his staff, our sporting director, CFO, and myself," Suwarso told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Cesc has been fundamental in building our identity."
Playing Style and Tactical Flexibility
Suwarso told Fabregas he wasn’t pressured to simply win, but to create an identity that could attract global attention. Como has become a destination for football fans and celebrities alike, with figures such as James Righton coming to watch games inspired by Fabregas’s style.
Fabregas’s approach isn’t rigid. Though some think he’s obsessed with possession football, he rejects that label. After a heavy 4-0 loss to Inter, he defended his aggressive pressing style:
"I thought about changing tactics, but my head said no. I’d rather lose playing our way than defend deep. After defeats, you learn more and appreciate progress better."
He insists on tactical versatility:
"I don’t want to be the coach with one style. You need principles, but also multiple solutions to be dominant. I’ve played under vastly different managers and won with every style. Our owners asked for a front-footed style, not just winning but creating an identity."
Future Prospects
Fabregas has undeniably met the goal set by Como's ownership. His success has sparked rumors of a release clause allowing moves to clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, or Barcelona. Yet, Manchester United seems the most likely suitor currently searching for a new manager.
Unlike Michael Carrick, Fabregas is beginning to look like a coach who could surpass his playing career in impact. With his intelligence, flexibility, and leadership, he fits the profile of someone ready for a top job in European football.
