Manchester United's preparations for the 2026-27 English Premier League season concluded with a 4-2 defeat, as Michael Carrick's boys fell to former head coach Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in Poland on Saturday.
It was a poor performance from the 20-time English champions, who were second-best for long spells in the game, and disappointing defending cost them the chance to claim a positive result.
United made six changes from their 1-1 draw with Leeds United three days earlier, when they won 5-4 on penalties in Dublin.
Noussair Mazraoui, Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Youri Tielemans and Luke Shaw came in.
Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Amass, Tyler Fletcher, Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo moved to the bench.
Manchester United starting XI: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven
Substitutes: Fred Heath, Ben Mee, Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Toby Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Kobbie Mainoo, JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, Amorim made four changes from Milan’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in Jakarta seven days earlier, bringing in Ardon Jashari, Yunus Musah, Alpha Cisse and Goncalo Ramos.
Luka Modric, Christian Comotto, Rafael Leao and Francesco Camarda made way, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan yet to resume training.
Winger Christopher Nkunku did not feature after being told he can leave Stadio San Siro.
AC Milan starting XI: Lorenzo Torriani, Filippo Terracciano, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, Samuel Chukwueze, Ardon Jashari, Yunus Musah, Pervis Estupinan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alpha Cisse, Goncalo Ramos
Substitutes: Samuele Ricci, Sankhoun Diawara, Luka Modric, Christian Comotto, Davide Bartesaghi, Valeri Vladimirov, Matteo Pittarella, Alexis Saelemaekers, Francesco Camarda, Mario Gila, Leo-Paul Bouyer
Game Play
Man United took the lead in the second minute of the match, as Maguire headed a corner from Fernandes into the back of the net.
Milan levelled the scores in the 37th minute, as Samuel Chukwueze converted at the far post after a smart pass from Goncalo Ramos.
United regained the lead early in the second period after a poor throw-in from Milan led to Patrick Dorgu smashing the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Alphadjo Cisse tapped a cross from Chukwueze in to the back of the net from close range in the 57th minute, putting Milan back at level.
In the 68th minute, Milan took the lead for the first time in the match, as Chukwueze's cross was headed into the back of the net by Goncalo Ramos.
Poor defending from Man United allowed Loftus-Cheek to break into the penalty box before finding the back of the net in the 71st minute, putting the game beyond United's reach.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both made long-awaited comebacks to the pitch as they were introduced with half an hour left to play, but neither was able to inspire a comeback.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, head coach Michael Carrick admitted he was disappointed by the performance, but insisted his side will be ready for the coming campaign.
"I think there are a lot of positives to take from the pre-season. The group has grown and got stronger. We were disappointed with today. We did not play well today. There are reasons for that. We need to learn from it and improve." said Carrick.
"We have a good squad. We've had a good week's training this week to get some more work in. We'll be ready for next week."
Manchester United will begin their Premier League season on August 22 against Hull City at the MKM Stadium. Meanwhile, AC Milan will take on Torino in their Serie A opener on August 23.
