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Manchester United are getting ready to compete in the Champions League this season. The Red Devils booked a high-profile return to Europe’s top club competition after finishing the previous campaign strongly.

After finding consistency hard to come by under former head coach Ruben Amorim, the English heavyweights improved sharply following Michael Carrick’s appointment in January. United recorded 12 wins and only two losses in their last 17 league matches, which helped them finish third in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are back in the Champions League after a two-year absence and already know the opponents they will face in the league stage. The Premier League side are set to take on Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, and there is also the notable prospect of Bruno Fernandes returning to the Jose Alvalade Stadium to play against Sporting.

United also have an away fixture against Como, and one important aspect of that match is still awaiting final confirmation.

According to The Daily Mail, Como have spent the last three months working intensively to make sure the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium is ready to stage Champions League football. The report says: “Como are confident they will receive the green light from UEFA to host Champions League matches at their Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium following three months of major renovation.”

The Serie A side finished fourth in the league last season and, as a result, qualified for this season’s leading European club competition. However, their stadium initially did not meet UEFA’s required standards for hosting Champions League games, and Sassuolo’s stadium had been mentioned as a possible alternative venue.

Even so, Como have put in significant effort behind the scenes to ensure their own ground can host the landmark occasion this season. The report adds: “Como have spent the past three months overhauling facilities at Sinigaglia and Daily Mail Sport understands UEFA officials are close to approving the stadium’s hosting rights this season, with Manchester United among those ready to make the trip.”

A number of improvements have already been completed, including the construction of a new concrete stand behind the goal, the installation of a new pitch and an extension of it by two-and-a-half metres. The players’ tunnel and substitutes’ bench have also been moved, while both the dressing rooms and media facilities have been upgraded.

The report continues: “UEFA require significant space for television broadcasters and media facilities while Como have satisfied the need to add an additional 150 parking spaces by teaming up with a local college.”

United have never played Como before in their history, but that is due to change this year on 21 October. It is always a major event when the Red Devils come to town, so Como will naturally be keen to stage the match at their own home stadium.

United are one of the biggest clubs in world football and boast supporters in every part of the globe. Taking on such a globally recognised name would be a major boost for the Serie A club and could further enhance their standing.

Cesc Fabregas’ team, however, are unlikely to be easy opponents after going stride for stride with the major powers of Italian football last season. For that reason, the Red Devils cannot afford to treat the occasion casually.

United’s return to the Champions League has given supporters plenty of optimism, with the club set to face intriguing opposition from across Europe. The Red Devils will now be aiming to put together a deep run in the competition this season.