Samuel Chukwueze delivered a standout performance as AC Milan came from behind twice to defeat Manchester United 4-2 in their final pre-season friendly at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław on Saturday, Trybal News reports.
The Super Eagles winger scored once and provided two assists as Milan secured their first victory of pre-season, ending their preparations for the new campaign on a highly positive note.
Manchester United made a perfect start, taking the lead after just two minutes when Harry Maguire rose to meet Bruno Fernandes’ corner and headed past Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani.
Milan responded through Chukwueze in the 37th minute. Gonçalo Ramos created the opportunity, picking out the Nigerian inside the penalty area before Chukwueze calmly finished into an empty net to restore parity.
United had the chance to regain the lead before half-time when Fernandes stepped up from the penalty spot, but Torriani produced an excellent save to deny the Manchester United captain.
The Premier League side eventually went back in front six minutes after the restart when Patrick Dorgu capitalised on a defensive mistake by Milan to make it 2-1.
Chukwueze, however, continued to torment the United defence and was instrumental in Milan’s response.
The Nigerian played a key role in the move that produced Milan’s second goal, finding Alphadjo Cissé, who finished from close range in the 57th minute to level the contest at 2-2.
Chukwueze then turned provider again in the 68th minute. The 27-year-old found space on the right before delivering a precise cross into the box, with Ramos rising to head Milan into the lead for the first time.
Three minutes later, Milan put the result beyond doubt. Ramos turned provider for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who exchanged passes with the Portuguese forward before breaking into the box and calmly finishing to make it 4-2.
United were unable to produce a response as Milan comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to record an impressive comeback victory.
For Chukwueze, the performance was another significant step in what has been an encouraging pre-season under new Milan head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Nigerian has featured throughout Milan’s pre-season preparations and appears to be increasingly convincing the Portuguese tactician that he can play an important role in his plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
Chukwueze’s performance against United was particularly impressive given the tactical demands placed on him. Operating from the right side, the Nigerian combined his pace and direct running with greater defensive responsibility while remaining one of Milan’s principal attacking outlets.
He was also the only Milan outfield player to complete the full 90 minutes, with the other outfield players eventually replaced as Amorim rotated his squad.
The performance comes at an important stage of Chukwueze’s Milan career. After spending last season on loan at Fulham, the Nigerian returned to San Siro with his future at the club uncertain.
His impressive showing against United, however, could strengthen his position as Milan prepare to begin their competitive campaign.
With one goal, two assists and a full-match performance against a Manchester United side managed by Amorim’s former club, Chukwueze provided perhaps his clearest indication yet that he intends to play a major role for the Rossoneri this season.
Milan will begin their 2026/27 Serie A campaign away to Torino on Sunday, August 23, while Manchester United will open their Premier League campaign against Hull City on Saturday, August 22.
For Chukwueze, the challenge now is to carry his impressive pre-season form into the competitive campaign and establish himself as a regular presence in Amorim’s Milan side.
