Man Utd 2-4 AC Milan: Marcus Rashford returns as Ruben Amorim's Milan highlight issues for Michael Carrick
Manchester United finished their pre-season campaign with a sobering 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Wroclaw, a loss that exposed defensive frailties just a week before their Premier League opener at promoted Hull City. The defeat came against a Milan side led by former United boss Ruben Amorim, adding an uncomfortable narrative to a otherwise largely positive summer schedule. Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for his boyhood club since December, providing a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing display.
A Concerning Defensive Display
The fundamentals of United's defending proved to be the defining issue in Poland. Three of AC Milan's four goals came from close-range efforts, and those with access to replays felt one of them was offside, though no VAR was in operation. Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed the rout by racing beyond Lisandro Martinez and driving a shot past goalkeeper Senne Lammens, without whom the damage would have been considerably worse.
United's problems were particularly acute on the right flank. When AC Milan switched play to that side, Luke Shaw, who played the full 90 minutes, had too much space to cover to reach the wing whilst lacking adequate support. The gaps between defence and midfield, though not substantial, were not adequately covered by the hosts. Andrey Santos, the recent signing, had his inexperience exposed during the encounter.
Michael Carrick offered no excuses after the final whistle. "We are disappointed with today," he told MUTV. "We didn't play very well. There are no excuses." The manager will have much to analyse on his return to Manchester as he prepares for the Premier League campaign to begin.
Rashford's Return and Uncertain Future
The most intriguing subplot of the afternoon was Marcus Rashford's return to competitive action for United. With an hour played, Carrick introduced him as one of six substitutes. It marked his first appearance for the club since the Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen away on 12 December 2024, after which he was effectively banished by Amorim and loaned out first to Aston Villa and then Barcelona, from where he was not expected to return.
Rashford's reception from United supporters provided an emotional moment when he was sent out for his first warm-up during the game. He applauded the corner of the ground welcoming him warmly, though his arrival coincided with Samuel Chukwueze tapping home AC Milan's first equaliser at the same end of the pitch. The winger remained wider than Patrick Dorgu, the player he replaced on the left, and showed glimpses of his capability despite the overall team performance.
His performance was unremarkable but functional. Rashford's first run ended with him conceding a foul, but he soon produced a brilliant piece of play by the corner flag that took him past an opponent, drawing many in the crowd to their feet. As reintroductions go, it was solid not spectacular. But it did not need to be anything more.
United officials moved quickly to clarify that the number nine shirt Rashford wore in Poland was not permanent, seeking to stave off complaints from those tempted to purchase one. Carrick had opportunities to confirm Rashford's future when he spoke to UK media in Maynooth on Thursday, though he did not do so. The transfer deadline of 1 September will bring permanence to what remains an uncertain situation.
Maguire's Assessment and Message
Harry Maguire offered an honest evaluation of United's performance, describing it as the worst of their pre-season schedule. "We're wanting to play much further up the pitch, be more aggressive and more on the front foot," he explained. "This was the only game where I didn't feel we did ourselves justice in that aspect. We had a lot of high regains and created a lot of chances from that but we didn't sustain our pressure anywhere close to enough."
Despite the team's shortcomings, Maguire delivered a pointed message about Rashford's importance. "As players we hope he stays because if he does he is a big asset to have," he said. "He can improve us for sure. You saw when he came on he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He's a huge threat. I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us."
The Amorim Reunion
The match offered a reunion with Amorim, whose 14-month tenure at Old Trafford included reported fallouts with players including Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. The atmosphere after the match was largely cordial, with Amorim embracing his former players and staff. Maguire spoke warmly of his relationship with the new Milan manager. "It was great to see him and all his staff," he said. "I got on with Ruben really well and all his staff. I am happy he has another chance to impress and show everyone what a great manager he is. I'm sure he's going to be a success. I have nothing bad to say about Ruben. It just didn't work out at Manchester United. But he's got a massive club now."