Manchester United ended pre-season with a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan as Michael Carrick’s side surrendered the lead twice despite goals from Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu.
United made the perfect start in Wrocław when Maguire headed home Bruno Fernandes’ corner inside two minutes.
Samuel Chukwueze punished United for failing to play through Milan’s press to equalise before half-time, while Fernandes also saw a penalty saved by Lorenzo Torriani.
Man Utd collapse after Dorgu restores lead
United regained the advantage shortly after the restart when Dorgu struck to make it 2-1.
That should have given Carrick’s side a platform to control their final pre-season fixture, but the game quickly turned.
Alphadjo Cissé brought Ruben Amorim’s side level before Gonçalo Ramos put Milan ahead for the first time after 68 minutes.
Former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek then made it 4-2 just three minutes later as United’s defensive structure fell apart.
It was an uncomfortable final spell for Carrick just one week before the Premier League campaign begins.
United had shown encouraging moments during pre-season, including Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds before a penalty shootout victory, but conceding four against Milan gives Carrick plenty to address before competitive football returns.
Marcus Rashford makes long-awaited Man Utd return
One significant positive came from the bench.
Marcus Rashford replaced Dorgu during the second half to make his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024.
The England international had returned to first-team training this week after loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona and was handed around half an hour against his former manager Amorim.
Rashford wore the No.9 shirt in Poland, although United confirmed that shirt numbers used during pre-season remain provisional.
His comeback provides Carrick with another attacking option, but the manager will leave Poland more concerned by what happened at the other end.
United led Milan twice and still finished the afternoon two goals behind.
With the Premier League opener against Hull City next Saturday, Carrick has seven days to ensure those defensive problems do not follow his side into the competitive season.
