“No Excuses!” Carrick Blasts Man Utd After Milan Humiliation
Manchester United’s Pre-Season Ends with a 4-2 Loss to AC Milan
What Happened in the Match?
Manchester United finished their pre-season schedule with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Wrocław, Poland. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- United took the lead twice but couldn’t hold on.
- Milan’s star performers: Gonçalo Ramos and Samuel Chukwueze each scored a goal and provided two assists (that means they helped set up four goals between them!).
- Other Milan scorers: Alphadjo Cissé and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
- United’s goals came from two defenders: Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu.
- Big moment: At 1-1, Milan’s backup goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani saved a penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
Key Stats and Numbers
Numbers tell a story too. Here are the most important ones:
| Stat | Manchester United | AC Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 4 |
| Shots | 10 | 13 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.78 | 3.21 |
What is xG? Expected Goals (xG) measures the quality of chances. A higher xG means a team created better scoring opportunities. Milan’s 3.21 xG shows they deserved the win.
Carrick’s Reaction: "No Excuses"
Assistant manager Michael Carrick (leading the team in pre-season) was honest after the game. He told MUTV:
“Overall pre-season has been very positive… but we’re disappointed today. We didn’t play well and there are various reasons. We have to learn from this game and improve. For some lads it was first minutes. There are various reasons, but there are no excuses: we simply didn’t play well.”
Key points from Carrick:
- Pre-season had many positives to build on.
- Today’s performance wasn’t good enough – no excuses.
- The team must learn quickly with the Premier League opener days away.
Rashford Returns After Loan Spell
Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for United since December 2024. He came on in the second half after his loan spell at Barcelona ended – the Spanish club chose not to make the move permanent.
Carrick stayed calm about Rashford’s future role:
- “A lot of lads will benefit from these minutes.”
- “We’ve got a good squad so there’ll be decisions to make.”
- He didn’t promise Rashford a starting spot for the 2026-27 season.
What’s Next for United?
Less than a week until the real stuff starts:
- Premier League opener: Away at Hull City.
- Squad decisions: Carrick and the coaching staff must finalize the team.
- Fitness & sharpness: Players need to be ready for competitive matches.
Mark your calendar: The season kicks off very soon – every training session counts now!
Important Takeaways
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- United’s pre-season had more positives than negatives, but this loss is a wake-up call.
- Defensive shape and converting chances need work before Hull City.
- Rashford is back – but his role is undecided.
- No excuses from the coaching staff – accountability is the message.
Summary
Manchester United’s final pre-season friendly ended in a 4-2 loss to AC Milan. Despite leading twice, United were outplayed – Milan created better chances (3.21 xG vs 1.78) and took them efficiently. Carrick admitted the performance wasn’t good enough but stressed the overall pre-season was positive. Marcus Rashford returned from his Barcelona loan, though his long-term role remains unclear. With the Premier League opener at Hull City less than a week away, the focus shifts to fixing defensive lapses and sharpening attack.
FAQ
Q: Why was Michael Carrick managing the team?
A: Carrick is the assistant manager and often takes charge during pre-season friendlies while the head coach prepares for the competitive season.
Q: What does “expected goals (xG)” mean?
A: xG estimates how many goals a team should have scored based on the quality of their shots. Milan’s 3.21 xG means their chances were worth about 3 goals – they scored 4, so they were clinical.
Q: Is Marcus Rashford staying at Manchester United?
A: He’s back training and playing, but Carrick said “there’ll be decisions to make.” His future depends on form, fitness, and the manager’s plans.
Q: When is United’s first official match?
A: The Premier League season starts in less than a week with an away game at Hull City.
Q: Who scored for United?
A: Both goals came from defenders – Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu.