Manchester United suffered a nightmare end to pre-season with Ruben Amorim's AC Milan side handing out a brutal battering in Poland. The Red Devils twice led in what was their final pre-season clash before next weekend's Premier League opener, but a second-half collapse saw the Italian side net three goals in 14 minutes to secure a 4-2 victory.
There had been some bright sparks for United, but they were overshadowed by deficiencies in the final third and haphazard defending. It's a major warning sign for Michael Carrick ahead of the new Premier League campaign, and on the back of their defeat to Milan, Express Sport pick out the five biggest issues that still need to be fixed.
Left-back a priority
It's no secret that United are targeting a left-back this summer. Lewis Hall is the club's primary target, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and David Raum also having been mooted as potential options. On the back of Luke Shaw's showing against Milan, it wouldn't be a surprise to see United's transfer chiefs put their foot on the accelerator and get a deal done as soon as possible. The Englishman was rinsed on several occasions and on current form, will be a major weakness this season.
It's all about Bruno
On the back of his heroics last season, Bruno Fernandes' stock remains at an all-time high. The only issue with that is, United are far too reliant on the Portuguese midfielder to make something happen in the final third. He did so with the cross for Harry Maguire's opener, but elsewhere, there was very little in the way of creativity. They simply have to find productivity from players not named Bruno Fernandes. The likes of Youri Tielemans and Mason Mount could be key.
Maguire a weakness
While it was by no means as concerning a performance as his compatriot Shaw's, Harry Maguire did look like a player coming towards the end of his time at the top. His headed goal aside, it wasn't a performance to remember for Maguire, who was caught out for more than one of Milan's goals. Granted, he might not start every game this season, but with the increased matches United will be playing, Maguire's shakiness is a worrying sign.
Centre-forward ghosting
Having spent so much on the attack last summer, United would have hoped the frontline would be the last of their issues for 2026/27. Here, Matheus Cunha was a ghost up front, while Benjamin Sesko has blown hot and cold since arriving and is out injured. Bryan Mbeumo has impressed somewhat in pre-season, but can lack that clinical edge needed to lead the line. United can't afford another season where their attack fires blanks.
Must keep Rashford
One way to spread the goalscoring output might be keeping hold of Marcus Rashford. The English international made a return to the United side during the AC Milan match and showed some bright sparks during his cameo. Plenty of question marks hang over the player's future, but if United have anything about them, they'll be trying to keep hold of him for the upcoming season. The fact of the matter is that he remains their best forward at his peak and having him in the team would be a major bonus.
