Manchester United were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan in Poland as Ruben Amorim’s current side recovered from an early deficit to inflict a heavy defeat on his former club in the final pre-season friendly.
United made the ideal start when Harry Maguire headed in from Bruno Fernandes’ corner after only two minutes. Amad Diallo then went close to doubling their advantage, having robbed Strahinja Pavlovic and nearly finished the move himself.
The early signs suggested a difficult afternoon for AC Milan and Amorim, particularly after Senne Lammens produced an impressive save to deny Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the 15th minute.
However, Milan gradually regained control. Goncalo Ramos created the opportunity for Samuel Chukwueze to equalise in the 37th minute, with the winger finishing from close range.
United were presented with a chance to restore their lead before half-time when they were awarded a penalty. Fernandes struck the spot-kick firmly, but his effort was well saved, leaving the teams level at the interval.
Manchester United went back in front six minutes into the second half after Patrick Dorgu capitalised on a poor back-pass from Filippo Terracciano. The advantage lasted only six minutes, though, as Alphadjo Cisse arrived unmarked at the far post to bring AC Milan level again.
Chukwueze was central to the turnaround, cutting Manchester United open down the right before supplying the cross for Cisse’s equaliser. The same flank was exposed again when Chukwueze set up Ramos, who headed Milan in front for the first time in the 68th minute.
Three minutes later, Loftus-Cheek completed the comeback. He raced forward down the right before finishing to make it 4-2, leaving United facing an uncomfortable end to their preparations with the Premier League season due to begin next weekend.
The introduction of Manchester United’s substitutes did little to alter the direction of the match. Lisandro Martinez was eased back into action after his World Cup exertions, while Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the team.
Marcus Rashford came on in the 61st minute for his first Manchester United appearance in 20 months, but his introduction could not prevent Milan from taking control.
The result ended a match in which United had twice led but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and repeated openings down their right-hand side. The way the contest unravelled after the break will be a concern with the new Premier League campaign now only a week away.
The key moments were:
– 2 minutes: Maguire headed in Fernandes’ corner to put United ahead.
– 6 minutes: Amad robbed Pavlovic and came close to scoring.
– 15 minutes: Lammens denied Loftus-Cheek.
– 37 minutes: Ramos set up Chukwueze for Milan’s equaliser.
– 41 minutes: Fernandes had his penalty saved.
– 51 minutes: Dorgu restored United’s lead after a poor pass.
– 57 minutes: Cisse levelled for AC Milan.
– 61 minutes: Rashford came on for his first United game in 20 months.
– 68 minutes: Ramos headed Milan in front from Chukwueze’s cross.
– 71 minutes: Loftus-Cheek raced down the right and scored Milan’s fourth.
