MU's loss to Milan is a sign that Carrick needs more reinforcements for the new season

The 2-4 loss to Milan has revealed the weaknesses in MU's lineup. As the new season draws near, the Red Devils must quickly bolster their squad to avoid turning the expectations on Carrick into a burden.

MU's loss to Milan is a warning.

Michael Carrick's first preseason period as MU's head coach was generally positive. The new signings made a good impression, almost the entire squad was healthy, and the gameplay showed fluidity. However, the performance against Milan showed that the Red Devils still have a lot to improve, especially if Carrick and his players truly want to turn their statements about creating "something special" into reality.

The 2-4 defeat to a team led by Ruben Amorim, using the same tactical system that previously proved unsuitable at MU, makes this issue even more evident. Amorim was seeking his first win as Milan's coach after two draws and a 0-3 loss to Chelsea, but his team completely dominated MU in the second half at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw.

Samuel Chukwueze, who played on loan at Fulham last season, constantly made a difference by pushing forward from the right-back position. He assisted Alphadjo Cisse and Goncalo Ramos with left-footed crosses after his teammates quickly switched the attack, opening up large spaces for him to burst forward.

In both situations, Luke Shaw had to move laterally to cover but couldn't close down quickly enough to prevent the crosses. This is partly a systemic issue, as Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation is designed to create numerical superiority on the flanks. However, it also directly relates to the problem MU is considering as they look for their next signing on the transfer market.

Carrick wants more players. This was clearly shown in his interview with the media in Dublin, where left-back was the top priority position. Shaw had an excellent season starting all 38 Premier League matches last season, but he can hardly maintain the ability to play two matches per week consistently. That's why MU has been interested in Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and a few other names.

Shaw played the full 90 minutes against Milan, also the first time he played the full duration in the preseason. Certainly, the 34°C heat also contributed to MU's drop in energy in the second half. The players also wanted to avoid injury risks with the Premier League starting in just one week. Nevertheless, having a genuine competitor for Shaw is still reasonable, especially since MU has returned to the Champions League.

Milan's fourth goal also came from MU's left flank, but Lisandro Martinez was the one who made the clearest mistake. Shaw had pushed forward and was on his way back, so Martinez had to face Ruben Loftus-Cheek after the midfielder exchanged a one-two with Ramos to break through. Loftus-Cheek left Martinez behind and calmly finished past Senne Lammens. This was Martinez's first appearance since returning from his World Cup final run, and the situation showed that he still needs more time to reach his best form.

MU conceded 3 goals in 14 minutes and Bruno Fernandes missed another penalty, as Milan secured their first win under Amorim.

Ayden Heaven is a competitor for Martinez for the left center-back position. He is likely to start against Hull City while Martinez gradually regains match fitness, and Shaw will take the left-back role. The question is whether by the time the transfer window closes, Carrick will find a backup option he truly trusts, given that Harry Amass is still developing at age 19. Amass is a promising talent, but the club is considering sending him on loan to get regular playing time.

Amorim becoming Carrick's final opponent in the preseason creates a certain irony. It reminds MU that 18 months ago, they themselves signed a player with similar qualities to serve Amorim's system. Patrick Dorgu was brought in to fit Amorim's tactics, tending to attack more than a traditional full-back, and up to now has been considered by Carrick as a left winger.

Last summer, Amorim was backed by MU's board with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Later, MU even went more aggressively than expected to sign Benjamin Sesko, as they were well aware of the need to add goalscoring ability to the team. These three players had a total transfer fee of around £207 million. Meanwhile, under Carrick, the Red Devils have only spent about £85 million on new signings.

Conversely, despite finishing the season in 15th place, Amorim received more resources than Carrick got after helping MU finish third. That achievement brought in Champions League revenue, which is extremely important for the club's operations. The situation may change as the transfer window still has more than two weeks, but MU is showing quite clearly that spending will continue to be tightly controlled.

Of course, Carrick understands that coaching can also change the team's appearance. He gave the players Monday off before they return to training at Carrington. "We have five days of training in different ways. Sometimes higher intensity, sometimes more focus on recovery. But we will work throughout the week and will definitely be better after that period. We are really looking forward to it," Carrick said.

Amorim's friendly victory is a timely warning: MU cannot just rely on further miracles from Carrick with the squad they currently have.