Youri Tielemans made his first Manchester United start as Michael Carrick's side lost 4-2 to Rúben Amorim's AC Milan in their final match of pre-season.
Manchester United lost 4-2 in their sixth and final pre-season match against Rúben Amorim's AC Milan side, who had not won a game under the Portuguese head coach until Saturday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes' penalty miss – making it two misses in as many games, after missing a spot kick against Leeds United in the shootout – and conceding three goals in just 14 minutes in the second half saw United crumble after taking an early lead.
Harry Maguire found the back of the net after just two minutes, escaping several markers to find himself with a free header in the six-yard box. Samuel Chukwueze replied in the 38th minute to enter half-time level pegging.
A goal from Patrick Dorgu restored Manchester United's advantage, but they were soon put to the good by Cisse, Ramos and former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Youri Tielemans made his first start for his new side after moving for £35 million from Aston Villa earlier this summer. He played alongside fellow new signing Andrey Santos, who left Wroclaw with more credit in the bank than the Belgian.
Tielemans struggles on first Man Utd start
Tielemans was not at his best against AC Milan. In fact, he was very nearly the reason Manchester United conceded their first goal, after giving the ball away on the edge of his penalty area, had it not been for Senne Lammens. The 29-year-old was trying to play out from the back and found Bruno Fernandes ahead of him. It was a poor pass, and the captain was forced to go long, but his clearance deflected off a Milan player and back to Tielemans. Rather than following suit, Tielemans was caught finding his feet and gave away the ball in an area where a player of his quality and experience must know better.
More mistakes followed from the Belgian, like trying to jump out of position (leave his marker and press the man ahead of him to win the ball), but he was usually not quick enough to reach his intended target.
Andrey Santos was forced into several last-ditch tackles, which prevented AC Milan's attackers from running at United's defence with speed. The Brazilian acted as the Casemiro replacement to a great extent.
But Tielemans is still adapting to life with Michael Carrick's squad – mistakes should be expected to a certain extent. He was not awful, but without Santos’ running next to him, United would have been in trouble.
And that is why another midfielder needs to be signed if Manchester United are to mount a real charge up the Premier League.
Man Utd could challenge the top
While the AC Milan result and performance will be a cause for concern, Manchester United have looked good in pre-season.
Their patterns of play have been smooth and clear; their pressing has looked much better than last season, and their shape work has improved tenfold, too. Michael Carrick has got his side playing good football.
Which means Manchester United could mount a challenge at the top of the Premier League – they could push Arsenal and Manchester City for the title, but they need more signings.
A left-back is a must. Luke Shaw has impressed for years at Old Trafford, but he will not remain fit all season, and he was poor against AC Milan.
Another central midfielder has to join. United are going into the new season with just Kobbie Mainoo, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park.
Even a centre-forward could be on the list. Without Benjamin Šeško, United had no out-ball against AC Milan and could not progress play well.
The foundations are there. Now build on them.
