---
title: "Man Utd 2-4 AC Milan: Three huge Carrick concerns before Hull opener"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/15/man-utd-2-4-ac-milan-three-huge-carrick-concerns-before-hull-opener/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-15T19:04:51Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T20:13:14Z"
---

# Man Utd 2-4 AC Milan: Three huge Carrick concerns before Hull opener

**Manchester United’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan has left Michael Carrick with several major concerns just seven days before the Premier League opener against Hull City.**

United twice moved ahead in Wrocław through Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu, but Ruben Amorim’s side responded on both occasions before taking control during the second half.

United had shown more control in Wednesday’s [1-1 draw with Leeds before winning 5-4 on penalties](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/12/man-utd-1-1-leeds-zirkzee-scores-before-5-4-penalty-shootout-win/), but Milan exposed far more serious problems in their final pre-season test.

> Defeat in our final pre-season game.
>
> — Manchester United (@ManUtd) [August 15, 2026](https://x.com/ManUtd/status/2088667523524730963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Man Utd defence gives Carrick biggest warning yet

The scoreline is uncomfortable enough, but the manner in which Milan scored should concern Carrick more.

United were ahead after only two minutes and restored their advantage through Dorgu after the interval, yet neither lead gave them control.

Milan increasingly found space once the match opened up, with United’s defensive structure struggling particularly badly as Carrick made changes during the second half.

Luke Shaw also endured a difficult afternoon at left-back, an area United already want to strengthen before the transfer window closes.

Samuel Chukwueze had cancelled out Maguire’s opener before Alphadjo Cissé, Gonçalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored as Milan turned the contest around.

One poor friendly does not suddenly make United’s defence a crisis, but conceding four in the final preparation game is hardly ideal before Premier League points are on offer.

Hull will have seen how quickly Milan were able to punish mistakes.

## Bruno Fernandes penalty problem cannot be ignored

Bruno Fernandes remains United’s captain and most important creative player, but his penalty record has suddenly become an unwanted pre-season talking point.

Fernandes had the opportunity to restore United’s lead during the first half, but [his penalty was saved by Lorenzo Torriani](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40070542/bruno-fernandes-penalty-miss-man-utd-ac-milan-pre-season/).

It followed his miss during Wednesday night’s penalty shootout against Leeds.

Two misses in a matter of days do not erase Fernandes’ quality from 12 yards, but Carrick now has a decision to make over whether anything needs adjusting before the competitive season begins.

United cannot afford to waste valuable opportunities once Premier League and Champions League football starts.

Fernandes will almost certainly remain high in the penalty hierarchy, but another miss would turn a curious pre-season sequence into something much more significant.

## Carrick’s Man Utd transfer message looks even more important

Carrick had already made his position clear, with [The Times reporting](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/michael-carrick-manchester-united-need-more-signings-interview-btftn8hm2) that the United boss wants further additions before the window closes.

[ReadManUtd reported on Thursday](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/13/michael-carrick-wants-two-more-man-utd-signings-as-100m-stance-emerges/) that Carrick still wants another central midfielder and left-back despite the summer arrivals already made at Old Trafford.

Saturday’s defeat only strengthened that argument.

United struggled to control the game once Milan increased the intensity, while the problems on the left side of defence highlighted why another full-back remains desirable.

Carrick does not need United to panic after a friendly defeat.

He does, however, need greater depth if the club are going to cope with a return to Champions League football alongside domestic competition.

There were positives during pre-season, including strong performances from Bryan Mbeumo and Dorgu, plus the return of several important players.

But the final dress rehearsal delivered the clearest warning of the summer.

Carrick now has one week to tighten United defensively, settle his strongest team and hope the club can give him another reinforcement or two before the window closes.