Manchester United’s final pre-season friendly ended in frustration as Michael Carrick’s side threw away the lead twice before losing 4-2 to AC Milan in Wroclaw.
Harry Maguire put United ahead early on, but Samuel Chukwueze brought Milan level. Patrick Dorgu restored the lead after the break, only for Alphadjo Cisse, Goncalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to turn the game around.
The result isn’t worth dwelling on too much with the Premier League season now around the corner, but there were a few things for Carrick to think about.
Here are five lessons from the defeat.
1. United need another left-back
Luke Shaw needs more competition.
The 31-year-old played all of United’s games last season, but his injury record makes it difficult to see him carrying the load again with Manchester United competing on several fronts.
United simply can’t go into a long season with only one recognised senior left-back. There will be Champions League games, domestic fixtures and the usual run of injuries and suspensions.
A new signing has to be a priority. Lewis Hall and Joaquin Seys are two names already linked with United, and either would give Carrick another option on that side.
2. The midfield needs more defensive protection
United have plenty of quality when they have the ball. Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans can both create, pass and move the game forward.
The problem comes when United lose possession.
Milan found space in front of the defence too easily at times, and that could become a bigger issue once the season starts. United need someone who can sit in front of the back four, win the ball and make life harder for the opposition.
Carlos Baleba and Lamine Camara have both been linked with United. Whoever comes in, Carrick needs a proper defensive midfielder in the squad.
3. United can’t keep relying on Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been outstanding for United and remains the team’s most creative player.
That can also become a problem.
With so many games ahead, Manchester United need other players to take responsibility. Depending on Bruno to create everything makes the team easier to read and predict.
Tielemans has shown some encouraging signs already, while United have other attacking players capable of making things happen. They need to share the workload.
Bruno should remain at the centre of things. He just can’t be the answer to everything.
4. Another striker would give United more options
Benjamin Sesko didn’t play against Milan because of injury, which left United without their main striker for the final pre-season test.
Bryan Mbeumo can play through the middle and Rashford could also be used there if he stays, but Manchester United would benefit from another experienced option.
Sesko is still developing and shouldn’t have to carry the attacking burden on his own. Having another striker who can step in regularly would allow Carrick to rotate his squad without weakening the team too much.
5. United need to finish their transfer business
There isn’t much time left to keep adding players.
United have already made some important signings, but the Milan defeat showed there are still gaps in the squad. Carrick appears to know where he wants more options, so the focus now has to be on getting those deals done.
Manchester United won’t have everything perfect before the opening game, but adding the right players could make a big difference over a season that promises to be far more demanding than the last few months.
The defeat to Milan doesn’t change everything. It does, however, give Carrick and Manchester United a useful reminder of where the squad still needs work.
