Manchester United closed their pre-season schedule with a 4-2 loss to AC Milan in Wroclaw, a result that left Michael Carrick with several concerns just days before the Premier League season starts against promoted Hull City.
United held the lead twice but could not contain a Milan side directed by former United boss Ruben Amorim. The loss came after a mostly encouraging six-match warm-up run and exposed defensive weaknesses that Carrick must address before competitive action begins.
There were encouraging signs for United, as Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Lisandro Martinez all featured for the first time during pre-season. Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans completed the entire match, and there were no fresh injury worries reported after the final whistle.
However, Mason Mount is still out with the foot issue picked up in Gothenburg a week earlier. What looked like a minor precaution has now kept the midfielder out for nearly three full matches.
Man Utd defensive flaws highlighted by AC Milan
Three of Milan’s four goals came from close range, although one appeared offside upon replay review. No VAR was available in Wroclaw.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek sealed the win after getting past Lisandro Martinez and avoiding a challenge before beating Senne Lammens. United’s goalkeeper made several stops to prevent a heavier defeat.
United looked especially vulnerable when Milan shifted play toward their right flank. Luke Shaw played the entire match but was left with too much ground to cover to reach the wing and received limited support from those ahead of him.
The gaps between United’s midfield and defence were not unusually large, but they were not managed effectively. Andrey Santos’ lack of experience also showed after a promising opening five matches of pre-season.
Carrick must now decide how to fix these issues before the Premier League opener. “We are disappointed with today,” he told MUTV. “We did not play well. There are no excuses.”
Marcus Rashford makes Man Utd return
Rashford’s return could carry more weight than the result depending on what happens before the transfer window closes on 1 September. The forward came on after an hour as one of six substitutes, making his first appearance for his boyhood club since the Europa League match away to Viktoria Plzen on 12 December 2024.
Following that game, Rashford was effectively frozen out by Amorim and then spent loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. His return to Manchester United had not been widely anticipated.
Carrick has had chances to discuss Rashford’s future but has not confirmed that the 28-year-old will stay beyond the transfer deadline. United officials also noted that the number nine shirt Rashford wore in Poland was not necessarily permanent, discouraging fans from buying it immediately.
The forward seemed relaxed during his return. He applauded United supporters after receiving a warm reception during his warm-up, although moments later Samuel Chukwueze scored Milan’s first equaliser at the same end of the pitch.
Rashford went out for a second warm-up later in the match and exchanged a few passing tricks with Martinez. When he came on, he stayed wider on the left than Patrick Dorgu, the player he replaced. Dorgu and Harry Maguire were United’s scorers in the match.
Rashford’s comeback leaves questions for Carrick
Rashford’s first run ended with him conceding a foul, but he soon produced a promising moment near the corner flag, beating an opponent with a clever piece of skill that brought supporters to their feet.
His comeback was steady rather than flashy, but there was little need for more at this stage. After a long absence from the United side, the key point was simply that Rashford was back on the pitch for his boyhood club.
The Premier League matches against Hull and Ipswich should offer a clearer picture of Carrick’s plans. With the transfer deadline on 1 September, Rashford’s situation remains unresolved.
The final weeks of the transfer window will therefore be significant for both the player and Manchester United as Carrick prepares his squad for the new campaign.