Manchester United lost 4-2 to AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly before the new campaign.
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim secured victory against his former club, while Manchester United manager Michael Carrick saw his side concede four goals. Midfielder Youri Tielemans started alongside captain Bruno Fernandes for Manchester United in the match.
Harry Maguire put Manchester United ahead with the opening goal of the game. AC Milan equalized to make the score 1-1 by the 38th minute of play. Manchester United had a chance to retake the lead from a penalty, but Bruno Fernandes saw his kick saved. It was the second penalty miss of pre-season for Fernandes, and the teams went into half-time tied at 1-1.
Match Action and Second Half Goals
Manchester United reclaimed the lead early in the second half when Patrick Dorgu scored in the 51st minute to make it 2-1. AC Milan quickly responded as Cisse scored an equalizer to bring the match to 2-2.
The Italian team then scored twice in short succession to take control of the contest. Ramos scored in the 70th minute to make it 3-2 to AC Milan, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek added a fourth goal in the 72nd minute to complete the 4-2 scoreline.
Manchester United attempted to fight back in the closing stages of the game. Harry Maguire launched a driven shot from outside the penalty area that was tipped over the top. Kobbie Mainoo suffered a clash of heads from the resulting corner, leaving the field briefly for medical treatment before returning to action.
AC Milan almost scored a fifth goal late in the match when Luka Modric crossed with the outside of his foot. Christian Comotto headed the ball straight at Manchester United goalkeeper Lammens, and AC Milan were later presented with a trophy for winning the friendly match.
Marcus Rashford Return to Action
Marcus Rashford came on for the final 30 minutes of the match to make his first appearance for Manchester United since December 2024. Rashford spent the previous 18 months away from Old Trafford on loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
After entering the match, Rashford drove into the penalty box and backheeled to Luke Shaw, but Shaw was unable to find a teammate with a low cross. Rashford also attempted a cross of his own, which was caught easily by the AC Milan goalkeeper.
In the 83rd minute, Lisandro Martinez played a pass over the defense to Rashford. The ball did not settle for Rashford, who poked his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Later in the 88th minute, Luke Shaw clipped a cross to Bruno Fernandes, who sent a volley wide for a goal kick.
Squad Concerns and Transfer Debate
The defeat highlighted ongoing concerns about Manchester United's squad depth as reporter Nathan Salt noted issues at left-back and a lack of energy in central midfield. Manchester United remain in the market for another midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Manchester United staff are scheduled to attend a five-day retreat in Ireland following the match. Supporters continue to question club ownership Ineos over a lack of transfer business while rival teams spend heavily to upgrade their squads.
Upcoming Premier League Fixtures
Manchester United now turn their focus to the start of the Premier League season. They open their league campaign next Saturday lunchtime with an away match against newly promoted Hull City.
Their first home fixture at Old Trafford takes place against another newly promoted side, Ipswich Town, followed by a match against Everton. Manchester United then play the Manchester derby at the start of September before traveling to face Fulham. Meanwhile, the domestic season begins on Sunday as Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Community Shield.
