Manchester United suffered a 4-2 pre-season defeat against AC Milan in Wroclaw as former manager Ruben Amorim beat his successor Michael Carrick.
Harry Maguire gave United the lead inside two minutes with a header, but United struggled throughout the afternoon against a dynamic Milan side. Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for United during the match.
Amorim hugged every United player in the starting line-up before kickoff, but his team secured victory through goals from Samuel Chukwueze, Alphadjo Cisse, Goncalo Ramos, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The defeat came just one week before the start of the Premier League season.
Defensive Weakness on the Left Side
Milan created most of their attacks down United's left side. Chukwueze scored himself and had space to pick out Cisse at the back post for Milan's equaliser at 2-2.
Chukwueze also crossed to the far post for Ramos to set up Milan's third goal. Loftus-Cheek broke free down the same flank to score the fourth goal and complete the 4-2 scoreline.
United recognise left-back as a major area of weakness. With plans in place for Harry Amass to depart this summer, relying solely on Luke Shaw, who remains solid but lacks the pace of his younger days, represents a significant risk.
Carrick spoke to reporters after the match and made it clear United require further signings before the September 1 transfer deadline. Hull City and other upcoming Premier League opponents will analyze this fixture, meaning Carrick will need to find creative solutions if no new left-back arrives.
Central Midfield Energy and Options
United also need additional dynamism and physical cover in central midfield. Andrey Santos has been the standout performer during pre-season, while Youri Tielemans showed early promise in Wroclaw by skipping past his marker to play a through ball for Amad, who was fouled.
However, that midfield pairing cannot be a complete solution, even with Kobbie Mainoo returning. United require a central midfielder who can cover more ground and compensate for limitations in Tielemans' game.
United entered pre-season planning to sign three midfielders, but interest cooled after strong early performances from Mason Mount. Mount missed this match after going off early against Paris Saint-Germain.
Director of football Jason Wilcox watched from the stands in Wroclaw as United repeatedly found themselves exposed through the middle of the pitch.
Return of Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford played for United for the first time since December 2024 and wore the No 9 shirt. The club stressed that official squad numbers for the upcoming season remain undecided.
Rashford showed moments of purpose, commitment, and excitement. United have not categorically ruled out selling or moving on the £325,000-a-week attacker, particularly with Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha available at left wing.
Dorgu scored in Wroclaw following a Milan error, but he cannot yet be compared to Rashford as an elite left winger. Several suitors have shown interest in Rashford, though some do not appeal to the player and others do not appeal to United.
If Rashford remains at the club when the transfer window closes, Carrick will need to integrate the England international as a key player in his project.
Loss of Energy and Amorim Reaction
Milan stifled United both in and out of possession. United became static and lethargic with the ball, while defensive errors created repeated problems without it.
In previous pre-season matches against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Leeds United, United played with high pressing intensity and quick passing. That energy is central to Carrick's system, and newly-promoted Hull City could capitalize if United fail to maintain it in their season opener.
After the match, Amorim dismissed any suggestion of extra motivation against the club that sacked him last season. "It's a normal game. Since I signed with Milan, I haven't felt anything about Manchester United," Amorim said.
"I'm just proud to have been at Manchester United and I still love Manchester United, but after signing with Milan, I don't feel anything negative about anything because I'm very happy," Amorim added. "I'm where I should be. So I just want to continue here. I wanted to win a game in pre-season to give our fans a good image."
