# Reds Stumble in Milan: Are We Really Ready for the Big Kick-Off?

Right, let’s not sugarcoat this one, fellow Reds. A 4-2 thumping by AC Milan in our final pre-season friendly isn’t exactly the confidence booster we were hoping for as we head into the 2026-27 campaign. Yes, it’s only pre-season, and yes, friendlies don’t always tell the full story, but conceding four goals is never a good look regardless of the opposition.

Michael Carrick worked absolute miracles last season. The man stepped in when Amorim was sacked in January, won 11 of 16 matches, secured third place and got us back into the Champions League where we belong. He’s earned his permanent contract through 2028, no question about it. But this Milan result raises some concerns about whether our squad is truly firing on all cylinders ahead of the new campaign.

We’ve got quality all over the pitch. Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo give us serious firepower up front. Bruno Fernandes remains our creative heartbeat, while the midfield has been strengthened with Youri Tielemans and we’ve still got young Kobbie Mainoo coming through. The defence looks solid with Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro providing options. On paper, this squad should be competing for silverware.

But pre-season performances matter when it comes to building momentum and sharpness. Four goals conceded suggests defensive frailties that opponents will absolutely exploit once the real business begins. Carrick has a few days to sort out the tactical issues and get the lads focused.

Look, we all know pre-season results don’t define your campaign. But they do set the tone. Carrick proved himself last season when it mattered most. Now he needs to ensure this squad hits the ground running when the Premier League returns. We’ve got Champions League football to look forward to, so let’s hope this Milan mishap is just a blip. Come on United!

✍️ This summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team based on reporting from Sky Sports.

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