Manchester United wrapped up their pre‑season itinerary with a 4-2 loss to AC Milan, leaving supporters and pundits alike wondering exactly what state the squad will be in when the new campaign kicks off. In the run‑up to a special Sky Sports Manchester United Q&A scheduled for Wednesday, our correspondent Danyal Khan breaks down the key themes that have emerged from the summer fixtures and what they could mean for the club’s direction.
One of the most encouraging signs for Michael Carrick’s side is the resurgence of two attacking talents who have shown a clear spark during the friendlies. Bryan Mbeumo, who looked a little fatigued in the latter stages of last season, has rediscovered his instinct for goal‑scoring, constantly finding space in the final third and testing opposition keepers with precise finishes.
Alongside him, Amad Diallo appears brimming with confidence after a standout performance for Côte d’Ivoire at the recent World Cup, where his pace and dribbling impressed on the global stage. Both players seem to have taken the pre‑season as an opportunity to sharpen their edges, providing Carrick with fresh options up front. Another name that has generated conversation is Joshua Zirkzee. While his long‑term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, the Dutch striker has displayed a markedly different demeanor this summer – more composed, more eager to link play, and showing a willingness to adapt to various roles.
The question now is whether Zirkzee could evolve into a viable understudy for Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 role, offering Carrick a tactical alternative should the Portuguese midfielder need rest or be sidelined. Beyond individual performances, the most noticeable development has been the evolution of United’s tactical blueprint under Carrick and his coaching team. Last season, the side often set up with a deep defensive line, defending compactly just outside their own box and relying on a disciplined shape to frustrate opponents.
That approach yielded some solid victories, but it also limited the team’s ability to press high up the pitch. In the recent pre‑season matches, however, United have experimented with a higher block, pressing aggressively and looking to win the ball back immediately after losing possession. This shift towards a more proactive, counter‑pressing style was evident in the Dublin clash against Leeds at a packed Croke Park, where the team applied sustained pressure and created several clear‑cut chances. The encounter with AC Milan exposed both the promise and the growing pains of this new system.
United’s press was not always razor‑sharp, and the fourth goal conceded stemmed from a momentary lapse when the defense was caught high, allowing a well‑timed ball to find the back‑line. While it would be premature to judge the team solely on a single friendly, the match highlighted a critical area for improvement: the need for a left‑back who can combine defensive solidity with the speed to recover quickly when the high line is breached. Luke Shaw’s inevitable rotation due to the added fixtures of European competition makes acquiring such a player an urgent priority, yet the transfer window is already ticking down.
On the offensive front, the return of Marcus Rashford has added another layer of intrigue. After an unexpected loan spell at Barcelona, Rashford has reportedly embraced his homecoming, expressing enthusiasm about rejoining United’s ranks. Carrick has publicly affirmed that Rashford is a player he trusts and looks forward to integrating into the attacking framework. Nevertheless, Rashford’s future remains a hot topic, with speculation swirling until the September transfer deadline.
The striker has hinted he would only consider a move to a club competing at the very highest level, and his current contract with United could complicate any potential exit. Ultimately, his decision will hinge on the interest he attracts from elite teams and his own assessment of where he can best fulfil his ambitions. In summary, Manchester United’s pre‑season has offered a blend of optimism and caution. The revival of Mbeumo and Diallo, the potential new role for Zirkzee, and the tactical shift towards a higher press suggest that Carrick is actively shaping a more dynamic side.
At the same time, defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Milan, the pressing need for a pacey left‑back, and the uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s long‑term commitment underscore the challenges that lie ahead. As the club approaches the start of the 2026/27 season, the next few weeks will be crucial for finalising transfer targets, cementing tactical identities, and ensuring that the squad enters the campaign with both depth and clarity of purpose.