Three things we learned as Ruben Amorim’s Milan leave Man United red-faced in Wrocław | OneFootball

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The Tarczynski Arena in Wrocław, Poland, played host to Manchester United’s last pre-season friendly, as the Red Devils took on their former head coach Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan side.

Months after sacking him, the Red Devils were poised to face the Portuguese tactician, who has endured a nightmare start to life as Milan boss.

Going into this game, the Rossoneri had yet to register a win under Amorim, with two draws and a defeat so far.

United, meanwhile, remained unbeaten in their last four friendlies, with two wins and two draws.

With pride at stake and plenty to prove on both sides, the match promised to be entertaining, and it lived up to that billing.

Milan arrived hyped, keen to shake off their winless start under Amorim, and did just that, coming from behind to win 4-2. Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu‘s goals did little to stop the hungry Italian side.

There was plenty to learn from this game. Here is what we picked:

Mbeumo’s influence was missed

Bryan Mbeumo has proved so influential throughout this pre-season that his absence against AC Milan exposed just how much United rely on him. He did not start, and United’s attack suddenly looked far less threatening up front.

This was no coincidence. Mbeumo’s shooting, movement, timing of runs, and ability to attack space make United’s attack far more dangerous.

However, it was not just about his individual quality. The team also missed the Mbeumo-Amad combination that has looked too hot to handle in recent games.

Against Hull City, it is a no-brainer: Mbeumo has to lead the line.

Midfield concern

Carrick finally debuted the Andrey Santos–Youri Tielemans midfield pivot. With Mason Mount injured and unlikely to be match-fit for the Hull game, the two summer signings will almost certainly start as the midfield pivot alongside Bruno Fernandes.

The duo are yet to click and look as though a physically dominant midfield could expose them. This game showed that clearly: as good as the pair are individually, United still need that ground-eater.

The midfield requires someone physically dominant who can cover huge spaces quickly, win duels, and provide extra protection when games stretch.

Iron out defensive play, Manchester

United’s defence really struggled against AC Milan. Although Senne Lammens made some excellent early saves, the back line let him down massively.

Indeed, defensive struggles proved United’s major undoing in this game. Plenty of work still needs doing, because against a possession-dominant side, they risk leaving themselves massively exposed.

Ultimately, Milan simply laid bare United’s defensive weaknesses.

What we also learned

It is also worth noting that Marcus Rashford finally returned to the pitch for United, 611 days since his last appearance for the 20-time English champions. Interestingly, he donned the number nine jersey, though whether that becomes his new number remains to be seen.

Beyond that, Carrick may have to reconsider his penalty takers, with Fernandes having missed the last two. Mbeumo, Tielemans, Rashford, or Cunha could all prove great options from the spot.

Up next

Attention now turns to the league opener against Hull City at the MKM Stadium next Saturday.

Given the decent pre-season United have enjoyed, the expectation is surely that they will be off to a flying start, with every desire to get back to the top.