AC Milan Defeat Underlines Challenges for Carrick Despite Rashford Return* -

Rashford Returns But United End Pre-Season With 4-2 Defeat to AC Milan*

Manchester United’s pre-season finale was one to forget, as Michael Carrick’s side fell 4-2 to AC Milan in Wroclaw despite leading twice.

With just a week to go before their Premier League opener against Hull City, United were undone by poor defending and quick switches of play from Milan, now managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim.

There were positives for Carrick. Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez all made their first pre-season appearances, while captain Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans played the full 90 minutes. Crucially, no new injury concerns emerged, though Mason Mount remains sidelined with the foot issue picked up in Gothenburg last week.

The result, however, will dominate the headlines. Three of Milan’s four goals came from close range, with one potentially offside in a game played without VAR. Ruben Loftus-Cheek capped the win by racing past Martinez before beating Senne Lammens, who made several key saves to keep the scoreline down.

United struggled when Milan switched play to the right. Luke Shaw played the full match but lacked cover, leaving too much space to defend. Gaps between defence and midfield were also punished, while new signing Andrey Santos looked short of experience.

“We are disappointed with today. We didn’t play very well. There are no excuses,” Carrick told MUTV after the game.

The biggest talking point was Rashford’s return. The 28-year-old came on after an hour for his first United appearance since December 2024, following loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. He received a warm reception, stayed wide on the left, and produced one dazzling run that brought fans to their feet. 

United were quick to clarify that the No.9 shirt he wore was not permanent, with his future still uncertain ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

Patrick Dorgu and Harry Maguire scored for United. The focus now shifts to Hull and Ipswich, where Carrick’s

real work begins.