MANCHESTER UNITED 2-4 AC MILAN | HIGHLIGHTS | FRIENDLY

 

FOUR GOALS AND A COMEBACK! AC MILAN DEFEATS MANCHESTER UNITED IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

AC Milan closed out its preseason with a convincing 4-2 victory over Manchester United. The Rossoneri showcased their attacking power and capitalized on their opponent’s defensive mistakes.

AC Milan Completes a Convincing Comeback Against Manchester United

AC Milan closed out its preseason with a 4-2 victory over Manchester United at the Tarczyński Arena in Wroclaw in an international friendly that ultimately left the Italian side with plenty of positive takeaways. The Rossoneri had to respond twice, but ultimately imposed their attacking quality during a second half in which they found space and capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes.

The English side took an early lead through Harry Maguire, who rose to head home Bruno Fernandes’ corner. However, Milan found a response before halftime through Samuel Chukwueze, who received the assist from Gonçalo Ramos.

The equalizer was not the only major moment of the first half. Bruno Fernandes had the chance to restore United’s lead from the penalty spot, but Lorenzo Torriani read the shot correctly and made a decisive save to keep the score at 1-1.

Gonçalo Ramos Turns His Debut Into a Standout Night

The spotlight was firmly on Gonçalo Ramos, and the Portuguese forward lived up to the expectations. The Rossoneri’s new attacker was not limited to contributing to the build-up: he scored his first goal for Milan and was also directly involved in other goals.

After Patrick Dorgu restored Manchester United’s lead early in the second half, Milan responded once again. Alphadjo Cissé brought the game back to 2-2 and, just minutes later, Ramos had his moment.

The Portuguese forward found space inside the box to head home a cross from Samuel Chukwueze, making it 3-2. The play highlighted the connection between the two players throughout the match and gave Milan the lead for the first time.

United’s Defensive Errors Shift the Game

The English side took the lead twice, but could not hold onto either advantage, allowing Milan to find increasingly dangerous spaces.

United’s second goal came through Patrick Dorgu, who capitalized on a poor Milan backpass to make it 2-1. The Italian side responded immediately, and from the 2-2 mark onward, the match began to swing clearly in the Rossoneri’s favor.

Milan’s third goal once again featured Chukwueze, this time providing the assist for Ramos. The Nigerian was one of the most active players for the Italian side and took advantage of the gaps appearing in the English defense.

Shortly afterward, Ruben Loftus-Cheek burst into space on the right and received another service from Ramos before making it 4-2. The goal put the match beyond United’s reach and confirmed Milan’s attacking superiority during the decisive stretch.

Rashford Returns to United, but Milan Take the Positives

The match also featured a special moment for Marcus Rashford, who returned to the Manchester United lineup after a lengthy absence. The forward came on in the second half and showed some promising movement on the wing, although he was unable to change the course of the match.

His return was one of the main talking points for the English side, but the spotlight ultimately belonged to Milan. The Italian team found attacking solutions, capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes and finished the match with four goals against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

- beiN SPORTS

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CHELSEA LEGEND PAYS HEARTWARMING TRIBUTE TO BOBBY TAMBLING AFTER ICON'S DEATH

Ron Harris has paid tribute to former Chelsea team-mate Bobby Tambling after his sad passing.

The Blues legend, who spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge, has died aged 84

Chelsea legend Tambling has sadly passed away aged 84Credit: Getty

.Tambling scored 202 goals in 370 appearances for Chelsea between 1957 and 1970.

His tally made him the club's all-time top scorer until he was surpassed by Frank Lampard in 2013.

The former England striker also won the League Cup alongside Harris in 1965.

After leaving Chelsea, Tambling joined Crystal Palace before ending his career in the Republic of Ireland.

During his time in Ireland, he had spells with Cork Celtic, Waterford, Shamrock Rovers and Cork Alberts.

Tambling tribute

Following Tambling's death, Harris joined Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor on Thursday's talkSPORT Breakfast show.

Paying tribute to his former team-mate, the Chelsea icon said: "I played with Bob for many years.

"He was a fantastic player. A good trainer, came in every day, very seldom missed games and scored goals left, right and centre.

"I think he would have a field day today with people not allowed to tackle, whereas years ago in our time, people used to put some stick around and that.

"Bob was a fantastic trainer, a fantastic lad and a fantastic player."

Harris and Tambling were Chelsea team-mates for eight years during the 1960sCredit: Getty

Tambling had been tasked with replacing Jimmy Greaves in the side after his move to AC Milan in 1961.

Asked if those were big shoes to fill, Harris added: "That is true for somebody to do that, but Bob very seldom missed games.

"He was a good trainer, good lad and always worth a goal or two in games. He’s a fantastic lad. It’s sad that he’s passed away."

The former Chelsea captain continued: "Most of the lads were mingled together and had a laugh and a giggle.

"If somebody got invited out to a function or anything like that, Bob would be one of the first ones to put his name down to go and do a presentation and things like that.

"He was a great lad, Bob, on and off the field."

Harris played alongside Tambling at Chelsea for eight years after making his first-team debut in 1962.

The defender went on to become the club's all-time record appearance maker with 795 outings for the Blues.

As well as winning the League Cup with Tambling, Harris also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1971.

He left the club in 1980 to join Brentford before retiring three years later.

- Ciaran Wiseman

LUKA MODRIC UNDERGOES SURGERY WEEKS BEFORE WORLD CUP

Modric sustained a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads

Modric undergoes surgery weeks before World Cup
Luka Modric has undergone surgery on a facial injury

Getty

Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone weeks before the 40-year-old AC Milan and Croatia football midfielder ⁠is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.

Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during Sunday's 0-0 Serie A draw at the San Siro. He left the field`with 10 minutes left.

Although clearly in pain, Modric remained on the bench until the end of ⁠the game without receiving medical treatment.

The Croatian federation said national medical staff remained in contact with Modric, who captains the side, as well as his club.

"I've been talking to Luka, and wished him ‌a successful surgery and a quality ‌and speedy recovery," Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said. "I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready `for the World Cup, and we'll provide full support.

"I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer."

Modric undergoes surgery weeks before World Cup
Luka Modric is set to feature at a fifth World Cup
Getty

AC Milan are third in the standings, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with four games remaining, and Modric is doubtful to take any part in their season run-in.

A protective mask may be needed should he recover in time for the World Cup, which begins ‌on 11 June. Croatia will face England, ‌Ghana and Panama in Group L.

- Reuters

SERIE A TABLE | TOP FIUR

 

ADOVE TAKES A REFEREE'S RED CARD 😃 MILLAN VS. INTER WOMEN’S GAME

A viral video from a Milan vs. Inter women's football match shows a pigeon swooping down onto the pitch and snatching a red card from a referee's hand. 

This unexpected moment occurred after the referee had produced the red card during an intense moment in the derby, causing players and fans to burst into laughter as the bird flew away with it. 😃 

LEAGUE TITLE CHANCES

 

SERIE A TABLE | INTER BACK ON TOP

 

AC MILAN SNUBBED ANDREA PIRLO YET HE PROVED THEM WRONG

 

AC Milan decided not to renew Andrea Pirlo’s contract in 2011, convinced he was past his prime at the age of 32.

He would go on to join Juventus on a free transfer, where he was voted Serie A Player of the Year three consecutive times — a record that remains unmatched to this day.

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HOW ARSENAL'S NEW BOYS PERFORMED ON DEBUT - INCLUDING A 15-YEAR-OLD WONDERKID

Mikel Arteta handed out numerous debuts as Arsenal made a winning start to their pre-season tour

Norgaard, Zubimendi and Dowman all featured against AC Milan (Photos@ Getty)

Arsenal 1-0 AC Milan (Saka 53′)

Arsenal made a winning start to their pre-season tour against AC Milan in Singapore with a few new faces given their first runouts by Mikel Arteta.

Bukayo Saka scored the game’s only goal with a scuffed volley at the back post from Jakub Kiwior’s searching cross, before the Gunners were beaten 6-5 on penalties in a pre-arranged post-match shootout.

Three of Arsenal’s summer signings were involved, with Christian Norgaard starting and Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi brought on at half-time. A few promising academy prospects also featured in the second half.

Arteta will soon have other newcomers to integrate.

Christian Mosquera is in the Far East to complete his move from Valencia and could feature against Newcastle or Tottenham, while Arsenal hope to have Viktor Gyokeres join them on tour once his protracted move from Sporting Lisbon has been finalised.

Noni Madueke has been given an extended break after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

Zubimendi catches the eye

The introductions of Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard at the break, alongside Declan Rice, gave Arsenal fans a first look at what is likely to be a first-choice midfield next season.

Zubimendi offers more playmaking qualities than Arsenal have had recently in the No 6 role, but he also possesses the defensive nous to protect the back four.

The 26-year-old ranked ninth in La Liga for combined tackles and interceptions last season and offered glimpses of those ball-winning capabilities in Kallang.

He was well-positioned to disrupt Milan counters, nicking the ball off Rafael Leao within minutes of coming on as Milan’s main man slalomed towards goal after a turnover.

Later on, he dispossessed Leao again, staying alive and alert to win the ball inside his own box. He looks well suited to Arsenal’s high press, too, shuttling crab-like to close down space in the opponents’ half.

It was a polished performance on the ball pockmarked by various line-breaking passes. He even scored a penalty, calmly sending Milan’s impressive No 2 Lorenzo Torriani the wrong way in a pre-arranged post-match shootout.

An encouraging first outing from the £52m buy.

Neat and tidy Norgaard

Adapting to playing for a team that had the third-highest possession share in the Premier League last season, from one that was 15th, will determine whether or not the Dane is a success in north London.

There were a couple of stray passes, but generally, he was accomplished on the ball (if less so than Zubimendi) and looked to punch balls into the forwards.

With Arsenal controlling much of the first half, he had plenty of the ball and operated higher up the pitch than he tended to for Brentford.

Norgaard played the first-half against AC Milan (Photo: AP)

He could even have registered a debut assist, after Ethan Nwaneri’s stinging drive from his pass forced a smart stop on the stretch from Pietro Terracciano.

Another facet of Norgaard’s game that has perhaps been overlooked is his aerial ability. According to WhoScored, Norgaard won 52 aerial duels last season, the third-most among Premier League central midfielders.

The six-footer made a headed clearance from a Milan corner later in the half and his presence could help Arsenal improve their defensive set-piece record.

The Gunners let in 14 set-piece goals in the league last season; Brentford conceded just two.

A clean sheet for Kepa

Signed to provide competition for David Raya, Kepa will be pleased to have kept his first clean sheet in Arsenal colours.

It was a largely stress-free half for the ex-Chelsea keeper, especially considering he played most of it behind a back four containing two 18-year-olds and a 15-year-old.

His best moment was getting his positioning and handling spot on to gather in a Leao shot from range, before immediately springing to his feet to set an Arsenal counter in motion with a throw.

Kepa may have had little to do in regulation time, but he was in inspired form in the penalty shootout, matching Torriani by making three saves from the first five kicks, all of which were down to his left.

He has always backed himself in shootouts, to be fair.

Teenage kicks

Besides the newcomers, Arsenal supporters will have been eager to see a few of the club’s youngsters get some game time.

There is plenty of hype around the 15-year-old Max Dowman, who is eligible to play Premier League football next season.

A left-footed attacking midfielder, Dowman slotted in on Saka’s right flank and looked remarkably composed given his inexperience.

Dowman impressed on his Arsenal debut (Photo: Reuters)

There is a touch of early Jack Wilshere about Dowman, with his low centre of gravity, direct dribbles and silky touch.

The schoolboy kept his cool in the shootout, succeeding where Odegaard, Reiss Nelson and Kiwior hadn’t by netting from 12 yards. Expect to see much more of him over the next few years.

Marli Salmon, another 15-year-old, also looked assured at centre-back, while 18-year-old right-back Josh Nichols produced some exciting bits of skill. Nichols also scored a penalty, although Salmon blazed his over with Milan winning the shootout with the next kick.

Hale End graduates Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly both broke into Arteta’s first-team plans last term, and judging by the displays of Dowman, Salmon and Nichols, more will follow before long.

- Oliver Young-Myles