AC Milan beat Manchester United 4-2 in Wroclaw as Amorim wins on return to former club

Match overview

AC Milan secured their first pre-season victory under new head coach Ruben Amorim, defeating Manchester United 4-2 at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on 15 August 2026. The win came after two draws and a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in Milan's earlier pre-season fixtures. For Amorim, the match carried added significance: he was sacked by Manchester United in January and was facing his former club for the first time. United, managed by Michael Carrick in his first pre-season as head coach, took the lead twice but were overwhelmed by Milan's second-half response, which produced three goals in 14 minutes.

How the goals unfolded

United struck after just two minutes when Harry Maguire headed in from a corner. Milan equalised at 37 minutes through Samuel Chukwueze, who finished after Goncalo Ramos's involvement in the build-up. Bruno Fernandes had a chance to restore United's lead from the penalty spot at 42 minutes, but Milan goalkeeper Torriani saved the attempt. In the second half, Patrick Dorgu put United ahead again at 51 minutes following a defensive error by Terracciano. Milan then mounted their decisive surge: Alphadjo Cisse levelled at 58 minutes from a Chukwueze cross, Goncalo Ramos headed Milan into the lead for the first time at 68 minutes from another Chukwueze delivery, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek sealed the 4-2 result at 72 minutes after Ramos provided the assist.

Chukwueze and Ramos shine

Chukwueze, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, was the standout performer with one goal and two assists, repeatedly exploiting space on Milan's right flank. The New York Times noted that United left-back Luke Shaw, playing the full 90 minutes in his first complete pre-season game, was unable to close down Chukwueze when play was switched quickly to that side. Shaw had started all 38 Premier League games last season, but the 34-degree heat in Wroclaw and the lack of defensive support left him exposed. Goncalo Ramos, making his first appearance for Milan, scored the goal that put them ahead and then set up Loftus-Cheek's clincher. Amorim told Sky after the match that Rafael Leao would need to fight for his place.

Leao is our player, we are happy with him, we'll see on the market, he is an expensive player... He will have to fight for a place, Cisse played well today and will make things difficult for him, Saelemaekers has changed position, then we have Pulisic who is coming back. Many players will compete for the place.

Rashford returns and United's concerns

Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for United since December 2024, coming on as a second-half substitute and wearing the number nine shirt. The shirt had been expected to go to Benjamin Sesko, who was unavailable through injury, and United officials stressed the number was not regarded as permanent. Rashford produced one moment of skill by the corner flag and came close to scoring. Harry Maguire expressed his hope that Rashford would remain at Old Trafford.

Obviously the transfer window is still open. As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure.

Carrick could not confirm last week whether Rashford would stay, and the uncertainty persists before the 1 September transfer deadline. After the match, Carrick was blunt about the performance.

We are disappointed with today. We didn't play very well. There are no excuses.

United's Premier League campaign begins on Saturday at promoted Hull City, while Milan open their season away at Torino. Carrick has identified left-back as a priority position, with Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly among the targets, as United prepare to return to the Champions League. Mason Mount remained sidelined with a foot issue that has now kept him out for almost three full games. In a separate pre-season fixture, Roma drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund, with Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante on target for the Italian side.