Utd disappoint in Poland
Manchester United completed their pre-season campaign with a lack-lustre display against AC Milan in Wroclaw today. They were twice ahead but allowed the Italians to race clear in the second-half. It is a stark reminder that certain positions require strengthening for the season ahead.
It is a huge boost for AC Milan however after an underwhelming warm-up. Former Premier League players Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze both starred in the fight back. They will be hopeful of a more successful Serie A campaign to come.
Michael Carrick named Marcus Rashford on the bench for the first time under his management. His number was nominally set as 9 for the evening. He was joined by Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez as a substitute.
The reds were coming up against Ruben Amorim for the first time since his departure in January. He was allegedly under pressure already after a disappointing pre-season so far.
Harry Maguire came back into the side under Amorim and he struck first against his former manager. Bruno Fernandes swung in a corner after two minutes and he shrugged off the challenge of Yunus Musah to head home.
Milan got back into the game and Senne Lammens was forced into two decent saves to deny Ruben Loftus-Cheek on both occasions.
It was sloppy play from the reds to concede the equaliser on 36 minutes. A long-throw was not dealt with properly to allow Goncalo Ramos to square the ball across the area. Samuel Chukwueze was lurking at the back-post to tap home. Utd almost went back in front immediately. Bruno Fernandes saw his effort saved.
He had a better opportunity not long after that. Milan were slow in playing it out from the back to allow Youri Tielemans intercept it. He strode through and was taken down for a penalty. Fernandes stepped up but saw his second missed spot kick in a week. Lorenzo Torriani pulled off a strong save to deny him this time.
It was level at the break and work needed to be done in order to assert their dominance.
They were back in front after 50 minutes and it was poor again by the Italians. Filippo Terracciano received a throw in, turned and played a blind pass. Patrick Dorgu picked it up and slotted home.
The Milanese were level yet again seven minutes later. Chukwueze burst into the penalty area and played a cross-cum-shot. Alphadjo Cisse was the beneficary despite looking to be in an offside area.
Carrick elected to change six substitutes on the hour. One of these was the re-introduction of Marcus Rashford. He got a warm reception on his entrance.
The Italians seized control of the game after that. Chukwueze was at it again after 67 minutes. The wing-back swung in a cross that was met by the head of Ramos for the lead. Incredibly it was four within a few minutes. The Utd midfield completely switched off as Loftus-Cheek played a simple one-two to allow him open space. He strolled through and finished past Lammens.
Fernandes and Diogo Dalot had half-chances in the remaining time as Utd desperately tried to restore some pride. At the other end, Lammens was forced into saves from teenager Christian Cormotto.
Frustration then so at the final whistle. Carrick must know they cannot afford such slack displays in coming weeks. It would help to see further back up arrive before the window closes. They travel to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday at 12:30. AC Milan start away to Torino on 23rd of August.
AC Milan: Lorenzo Torriani, Filippo Terracciano (Mario Gila 60), Koni De Winter (Valeri Vladimirov 84), Strahinja Pavlovic (Sankhoun Diawara 84), Samuel Chukwueze, Yunus Musah (Samuele Ricci 76), Ardon Jashari (Luka Modric 60), Pervis Estupinan (Davide Bartesaghi 60), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Christian Comotto 84), Alphadjo Cisse (Alexis Saelemaekers 60), Goncalo Ramos (Francesco Camarda 75).
Subs not used: Leo Paul Bouyer, Matteo Pittarella
Booked: Pervis Estupinan (11)
Sent Off: None
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui (Diogo Dalot 61), Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven (Lisandro Martinez 61), Luke Shaw, Andrey Santos (Kobbie Mainoo 61), Youri Tielemans, Amad Diallo (Shea Lacey 61), Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu (Marcus Rashford 61), Matheus Cunha (Bryan Mbeumo 61)
Subs not used: Fred Heath, Dermot Mee, Leny Yoro, Toby Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Harry Amass, JJ Gabriel, .
Booked: Patrick Dorgu (48)
Sent Off: None
Referee: Szymon Marciniak
Attendance: N/A
Simply Red Man of the Match: Samuel Chukwueze
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