Manchester United face AC Milan at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw on Saturday in the final pre-season fixture for both clubs. The meeting carries an added storyline as former United manager Ruben Amorim comes up against the Red Devils for the first time since taking charge of Milan.
Michael Carrick's side have recovered strongly from a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in their opening friendly. United followed a 5-0 victory over Rosenborg with a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid, a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and Wednesday's penalty-shootout success over Leeds United, collecting two pre-season trophies in the process.
Milan are still looking for their first victory under Amorim after drawing with Celtic and Inter Milan before losing 3-0 to Chelsea. The Rossoneri finished fifth in Serie A last season and have one final opportunity to build confidence before opening their domestic campaign away to Torino.
Manchester United vs AC Milan: Key Stats
Manchester United pre-season form guide: L-W-W-D-W, with three wins from five matches
AC Milan pre-season form guide: D-D-L, with no victories from three friendlies
Manchester United have scored nine goals and conceded four during pre-season
United are unbeaten in four matches since losing their opening friendly to Wrexham
Milan have scored three goals and conceded six across their three warm-up matches
Photo Credit (Manchester united)
What to Expect
United are expected to move closer to their likely opening-day side, with Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Luke Shaw available to return to the starting XI. Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford should receive their first pre-season minutes from the bench, but Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko remain doubts after missing the Leeds match.
Carrick should again pair Tielemans with Andrey Santos, whose composed displays have made him one of United's standout performers this summer. That midfield gives Fernandes freedom to operate behind Bryan Mbeumo, while Amad and Patrick Dorgu provide width. United have looked increasingly settled without losing their ability to press and attack quickly.
Milan will continue with Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system and could hand Goncalo Ramos his first start after his substitute appearance against Chelsea. Rafael Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek offer the main threat behind him, but the wing-back structure can leave space on the outside of the back three. United will try to isolate those defenders before Milan can establish control through Luka Modric.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo
AC Milan (3-4-2-1)
Torriani; Terracciano, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Comotto, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Ramos
Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes - Returns to provide the creativity and control United lacked for long periods against Leeds. His passing between the lines and relationship with Mbeumo should be important against Milan's narrow back three.
Andrey Santos - Has quickly established himself in Carrick's midfield with his positioning, ball recovery and calm distribution. Another strong display would reinforce his claim to start the Premier League opener against Hull.
Goncalo Ramos - Could make his first Milan start after coming off the bench against Chelsea. Amorim needs a focal point capable of occupying United's centre-backs, and Ramos offers stronger penalty-area movement than Milan showed in Jakarta.
Rafael Leao - Remains Milan's most explosive attacker despite continuing speculation around his future. His speed in transition is the visitors' clearest route to troubling a United defence that may push high in possession.
Prediction
Prediction: Manchester United to win @ 1.85
United have responded well since losing their opening friendly, going unbeaten in four matches and conceding only three times during that run. The expected returns of Fernandes, Tielemans and Shaw should strengthen a side that already looks fitter and more settled than it did at the start of pre-season.
Milan remain winless under Amorim and produced little attacking threat in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea. Ramos should improve their presence up front, but the 3-4-2-1 is still developing and United have the pace to exploit the spaces around Milan's back three. With greater momentum and more reliable depth, the Red Devils are the stronger selection.