Manchester United ended their pre-season campaign with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan at the Tarczynski Arena in Wrocław on Saturday, despite twice taking the lead in their final preparation match before the new Premier League season.
Harry Maguire put United ahead just two minutes into the match, heading home from a Bruno Fernandes corner. However, Milan responded in the 37th minute when Samuel Chukwueze converted after Goncalo Ramos had created the opening.
United had an opportunity to restore their advantage before the break when they were awarded a penalty, but Fernandes saw his effort saved in the 41st minute.
Patrick Dorgu then put Michael Carrick’s side back in front six minutes after the restart, taking advantage of a poor back-pass from Filippo Terracciano to make it 2-1.
Milan, however, produced a strong response in the closing stages. Alphadjo Cissse equalised in the 57th minute before Ramos headed the Italian side in front in the 68th minute.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek then added a fourth three minutes later to complete the comeback.The match also provided important minutes for several United players returning to action.
Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench, while Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for Manchester United in 20 months.
For Carrick, the defeat highlighted areas that still need improvement before United begin their competitive campaign.
The United head coach admitted his side did not perform well but remained confident that the squad would be ready for the opening Premier League fixture.
“We didn’t play very well today,” Carrick said, while adding that United were ready for the following week’s league opener.
The defeat brings United’s pre-season to an end after a run that also included a 5-0 victory over Rosenborg, a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid, a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and a penalty-shootout victory over Leeds United.
United now shift their focus to competitive football, with the Premier League season beginning next weekend. The loss to Milan gives Carrick one final opportunity to assess his squad and address the defensive issues exposed in Wrocław before the league campaign gets underway.
