Manchester United suffered a damaging 4-2 pre-season defeat against AC Milan, with the result raising serious questions about the club’s readiness for the new campaign.
Michael Carrick’s side looked bright early on, with Harry Maguire powering home a header inside two minutes to give United the lead in Poland.
However, a mix-up involving Maguire and Andrey Santos allowed AC Milan to equalise before half-time, setting the tone for a disheartening second-half collapse.
Patrick Dorgu capitalised on a defensive error after the break to make it 2-1, yet United then shipped three unanswered goals to complete a thoroughly disappointing afternoon.
Ruben Amorim, just six months on from leaving Old Trafford, had the last laugh as his AC Milan side ran out comfortable winners to secure his first victory as their manager.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was arguably United’s standout performer, making five saves to bail out those ahead of him on multiple occasions across the ninety minutes.
Bruno Fernandes continued his mixed pre-season, registering an assist but also missing a second penalty in a week while delivering a largely muted performance in midfield.
Maguire endured a difficult afternoon overall despite his opener, allowing Samuel Chukwueze to equalise before also giving Goncalo Ramos a free header inside the area to make it 3-2.
Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both looked heavy-legged after returning from the World Cup, with Martinez appearing to struggle to contain Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Milan’s final goal.
However, the most alarming individual display came from left-back Luke Shaw, who was handed a 3/10 rating and failed to complete a single tackle throughout the entire match.
Shaw was dribbled past twice, won none of his ground duels, and lost possession seven times from his 44 touches, though he did deliver three key passes including a deft dink for Fernandes.
For Milan’s opener, Chukwueze was left completely alone at the back post, while the former Fulham loanee also had acres of space to pick out Alphadjo Cisse to level at 2-2.
Chukwueze again found space to tee up Ramos shortly after, before a simple one-two allowed Loftus-Cheek to round both Shaw and the retreating Martinez for the fourth goal.
Carrick’s decision not to substitute Shaw at any point appeared to be a pointed message to the board that investment at left-back is urgently needed before the transfer window closes.
Shaw may have started all 38 Premier League games last season, but he managed just one goal, one assist, and created only a solitary big chance across that entire campaign.
The former Southampton man is heading into his 13th season at the club, yet his performances have taken on an increasingly reserved and contained nature in recent years.
Earlier in the week against Leeds United, young Harry Amass had also struggled at left-back, failing to cope with a lively Wilfried Gnonto, further highlighting the department’s frailty.
Reports suggest at least £60m could be required to sign Lewis Hall, but on this week’s evidence, failing to bring in a new left-back would seriously damage United’s chances this season.