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Manchester United's last preseason tune-up of the summer ended in a loss, as they fell 4–2 to AC Milan and their former boss Ruben Amorim in Poland.
The awkward reunion got off to a brilliant start for the Red Devils, who surged ahead through Harry Maguire's commanding header in the second minute. That promising opening quickly unraveled, however, as Milan earned a well-deserved leveler through Samuel Chukwueze, before Bruno Fernandes squandered a penalty just before the interval.
Another fast start to the second half saw United regain the lead, with Patrick Dorgu pouncing on a dreadful back pass. But they were pegged back once more shortly after, as Alphadjo Cissè arrived at the far post to slot into an empty net—despite a suspicion of offside.
Pervis Estupiñán was lucky to escape a second yellow card on the hour, and Milan made the most of their good fortune with a rapid brace from Gonçalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, sealing United's defeat at the hands of their former head coach.
United's Uninspiring Performance
If United could capture the essence of their opening 15 minutes and replicate it before every match next season, Michael Carrick would be a very happy man. Not only did they break the deadlock within just two minutes, they showed admirable intensity for a preseason fixture, pressing high and forcing the Rossoneri into errors.
However, United were unable to sustain that energy as the first half wore on. Milan took firm control of possession and pushed Senne Lammens into a series of sharp saves before eventually claiming their deserved equalizer—capitalizing on one of many sloppy moments from the players in white.
A similar pattern emerged after the restart, with United needing just six minutes to grab their second, only to once again give up their lead. Dropping too deep and failing to press Milan effectively, they conceded to Cissè as expected, before some disastrous defending allowed the game to slip away entirely.
Of course, preseason results and performances offer limited conclusions, but there will be a couple of concerns for Carrick. United were far too vulnerable defensively, while also struggling to string together sustained spells of pressure going forward.
Improvements will be necessary ahead of the Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City next weekend.
More Penalty Pain for Fernandes
Fernandes's errant penalty went without consequence in last Wednesday's shootout win over Leeds United in Dublin, but few anticipated another missed spot kick from the club captain when he was handed the chance to score from 12 yards just before halftime.
The 31-year-old typically opts for a stuttered run-up, enabling him to read the goalkeeper's movement, but this time he went for pure power instead.
He drove his penalty toward Lorenzo Torriani's right side but failed to find the corner. The young Italian read it correctly and comfortably kept out Fernandes's effort.
Having missed two of his six penalties for United last season, back-to-back failures don't paint a flattering picture just a week before the new campaign begins. Some doubt will inevitably linger the next time he steps up to take a spot kick.
Marcus Rashford Returns
Marcus Rashford made his last competitive appearance for United back in December 2024, a game many thought would be his final one for his hometown club. Milan manager Amorim was central to a very public falling-out that led to two separate loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona, but the appointment of Carrick has raised hopes of a fresh start in Manchester.
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Carrick's recent positive assessment of Rashford's return to team training was an encouraging sign, and Saturday marked his unofficial comeback as he featured for the final 30 minutes against the Italian side.
Those watching the 28-year-old closely won't have been blown away by his substitute display, with Rashford among six changes made on the hour that disrupted United's rhythm. Yet there were occasional flashes of his pace and drive on the ball, including one run in behind that really should have led to a consolation goal.
The opening chapter of his redemption story at United.