Manchester United vs Milan Prediction 15 August 2026

Michael Carrick took charge of United mid-way through last season and immediately transformed the team's performances - 12 wins in 17 matches and third place in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Now he needs to build on that progress.

Pre-season began with a defeat to Wrexham (0:1), but wins followed. First came a thrashing of Rosenborg (5:0). The youngsters shone in that match against the Norwegians, and the manager praised their confidence and ability to express themselves on the pitch. Results against higher-profile opponents have also been positive: a victory over Atletico (2:1) and a draw with PSG (1:1).

Over the summer the club significantly strengthened the midfield: Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for £48m, and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Santos, whom Carrick calls "an outstanding midfielder", has already settled into the system and is preparing for the match against Milan. Marcus Rashford is also expected to return, potentially making his first appearance for United since December 2024 - and his opponent will be Ruben Amorim, the very manager who froze him out last season.

Ruben Amorim has taken charge of Milan, signing a two-year contract, and has already faced criticism from the Italian press - Corriere dello Sport named him one of the leading candidates for the sack in Serie A. The pre-season has been difficult so far: no wins in three matches - draws with Celtic (2:2) and Inter (1:1), and a heavy defeat to Chelsea (0:3).

The manager uses a three-centre-back system but admits the squad has not yet fully taken on board his ideas. "We tried to keep the ball, we pressed high all over the pitch, but we need to build this game and improve it. The team hasn't accepted this concept yet, but it will come," Amorim said after the Celtic match. Milan created chances worth 1.78 xG against their opponents' 1.1, and 18-year-old forward Francesco Camarda gave cause for optimism, scoring twice and earning praise from the manager.

The main summer signing is forward Gonçalo Ramos from PSG, along with defender Mario Gila from Lazio. But for now the Rossoneri look like a raw side - three matches without a win, defensive problems and a lack of cohesion between the new arrivals. In Saturday's match against United, the Portuguese forward will come up against his former club, and this game is his chance to prove that things will work out for him at Milan.