Manchester United are set to face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on Saturday in Poland, a match that will see Ruben Amorim, now managing AC Milan, meet his successor at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick. This encounter marks a reunion under significantly different circumstances for both managers and some key players.
Manchester United are set to face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on Saturday in Poland, a match that will see Ruben Amorim, now managing AC Milan, meet his successor at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick. This encounter marks a reunion under significantly different circumstances for both managers and some key players.
A year ago, Marcus Rashford was at Barcelona, Carrick had recently been dismissed by Middlesbrough, and Amorim was preparing for his initial full season in charge at Old Trafford. Now, Rashford has returned to United under Carrick’s management, his former teammate and captain. Amorim, having been sacked five months into last season, took over AC Milan this summer and is seeking to end a winless pre-season run against his former club.
The match is anticipated to be more than just a friendly, adding another layer of intrigue due to Rashford’s return. Amorim had previously moved Rashford on after questioning his attitude. This pre-season finale offers an opportunity to assess United’s navigation through a mid-season managerial change and the start of a new era under Carrick.
Carrick’s tactical flexibility and renewed optimism
One notable change under Carrick has been a shift from a rigid tactical approach to a more flexible one. Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford was marked by his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, which he was reportedly unwilling to change, even when squad numbers were reduced due to the Africa Cup of Nations. This inflexibility was cited as a source of friction between Amorim and the United hierarchy, and similar issues are reportedly affecting his early days at AC Milan.
In contrast, Carrick’s first game in charge, a Manchester derby, showcased a more attacking and fluid style, resulting in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. This front-foot approach has continued into pre-season, with an emphasis on quick forward passes. Players like summer recruit Andrey Santos have been noted for breaking lines with forward passes, and Bryan Mbeumo has excelled centrally, making runs behind defences. Bruno Fernandes has also benefited, returning to his preferred No 10 position and setting a new assist record in the Premier League.
The mood at Old Trafford has also seen a significant shift. Amorim’s public statements often created a pessimistic atmosphere, with talks of suffering and the team being labelled the worst in the club’s history. Carrick, however, has fostered a sense of optimism. Despite Amorim’s previous assertions that the team was not ready for a Champions League spot, Carrick guided United to secure qualification. Players like Leny Yoro and Mbeumo have expressed their ambition to win the league this season, a dream Carrick has embraced, believing his squad has the potential for a special season.
Opportunities for redemption and squad availability
Carrick’s management style also appears to offer players a chance for redemption, a contrast to the approach under Amorim where being out of favour often meant the end of a player’s time at the club. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were among those who experienced this under Amorim. While Garnacho later had a loan spell at Aston Villa after an underwhelming period at Chelsea, Mainoo went on to become a key player in Carrick’s team and was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year, despite not starting a league game until January.
The situation with Marcus Rashford highlights this new approach. His ability was never in doubt, but Amorim took issue with his general conduct. After loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Carrick has opened the door for Rashford’s return to United, demonstrating a willingness to offer second chances through his man-management. Whether this opportunity will be fully realised remains to be seen, but Carrick’s intent is clear.
For the upcoming friendly, Rashford is in line to make his first appearance for Manchester United. Carrick confirmed that Rashford, along with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, were not ready for the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United but would be available for the weekend’s match. Carrick stated, “Marcus, Licha and Kobbie only came back a couple of days ago so they’re not quite ready but we can have them for the weekend.” He added that the players have trained hard and the team will prepare for the game on Saturday, focusing on balancing playing minutes.
Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Benjamin Sesko are considered doubtful for the match after missing the Leeds draw. However, Bruno Fernandes and summer signing Youri Tielemans could potentially start together in midfield for the first time. Matheus Cunha made his first pre-season appearance midweek, and decisions are pending regarding the attacking lineup, with Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo having supported lone striker Bryan Mbeumo. The predicted Manchester United XI includes Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, with Ugarte and Heaton listed as injured.
The match will be broadcast on MUTV.
Source: skysports.com