Man Utd Lose 4-2 to AC Milan in Pre-Season Finale

Manchester United ended their pre-season preparations with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, as former manager Ruben Amorim returned to haunt his old club.

United twice took the lead through Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu, but Milan repeatedly exposed defensive weaknesses before completing the comeback with four goals.

The defeat brings Michael Carrick's side to the end of their pre-season schedule with plenty to consider ahead of the new campaign.

Maguire gives United an early lead

United started brightly and needed only two minutes to take the lead.

Bruno Fernandes delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Harry Maguire rose highest to power a header past Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani.

However, United's advantage did not last long.

A defensive error allowed Goncalo Ramos to break into the box before finding Samuel Chukwueze, who calmly finished to bring Milan level.

The goal highlighted some of the defensive problems that would eventually cost United the match.

Fernandes misses another penalty

Manchester United were handed an opportunity to regain the lead shortly before half-time when they were awarded a penalty.

The spot kick came after Koni De Winter pulled back Youri Tielemans inside the area.

Bruno Fernandes, who had also missed from the spot during United's midweek friendly against Leeds, stepped up again.

This time, Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani guessed correctly and saved Fernandes' effort.

It was the second consecutive friendly in which the United captain had failed to convert from the penalty spot.

Dorgu puts United back in front

United nevertheless restored their advantage after the interval.

Patrick Dorgu capitalised on a loose backpass from Filippo Terracciano before finding the net to make it 2-1.

But once again, United were unable to protect their lead.

Chukwueze's attempted effort was turned into the net by Alphadjo Cisse, bringing Milan level for a second time.

Milan complete the comeback

Ruben Amorim's side took control during the final stages.

Chukwueze provided the delivery for Goncalo Ramos, who headed Milan into the lead in the 68th minute.

Just three minutes later, former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek broke through the United defence and raced clear before finishing to make it 4-2.

United could not find a response as Milan comfortably managed the remainder of the contest.

Rashford makes United return

The match also marked an important moment for Marcus Rashford, who made his first appearance for Manchester United since returning from his loan spell at Barcelona.

Rashford had previously been frozen out during Amorim's time at Old Trafford and later spent time away from the club.

His return therefore added another layer of intrigue to a match already dominated by the reunion between Amorim and his former team.

Amorim gets revenge against former club

The result was particularly significant for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed by Manchester United in January after 14 months in charge.

The Portuguese coach had struggled to deliver consistency during his spell at Old Trafford, before former United and England midfielder Michael Carrick took over.

Carrick subsequently guided United to a third-place Premier League finish, earning the opportunity to take charge on a permanent basis.

Now managing AC Milan, Amorim leaves the pre-season meeting with a convincing victory over his former employers.

United's pre-season raises concerns

Although pre-season results are not always an accurate indication of what will happen during a competitive campaign, United's defensive performance will concern Carrick.

They led twice but conceded four goals, with several of Milan's goals coming from situations where United failed to deal with danger inside or around their penalty area.

The missed penalty from Fernandes also represents another area for the team to address.

With the new season approaching, Carrick will now have to turn his attention from experimentation to competitive preparation.

Manchester United 2-4 AC Milan: Match Details

• Competition: Pre-season friendly
• Venue: Tarczynski Arena, Wroclaw, Poland
• Date: August 15, 2026
• Result: Manchester United 2-4 AC Milan
• Manchester United scorers: Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu
• AC Milan scorers: Samuel Chukwueze, Alphadjo Cisse, Goncalo Ramos, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
• Manchester United manager: Michael Carrick
• AC Milan manager: Ruben Amorim
• Notable return: Marcus Rashford
• Penalty: Bruno Fernandes missed for Manchester United

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