Rashford lively in return but Man Utd lose to Milan with Fernandes missing penalty

Marcus Rashford looked lively as he came on for Manchester United but he couldn't stop a 4-2 defeat to Milan with Bruno Fernandes missing another spot-kick.

The United captain, who rolled a spot-kick wide in a shoot-out against Leeds in midweek, was gifted the chance to open his pre-season account in Wroclaw, Poland.

His effort was on target this time, but Milan keeper Lorenzo Torriani dived to his right to beat the shot away.

Fernandes did at least get an assist, taking the second-minute corner which was powerfully headed home by Harry Maguire to give United the lead.

Milan, managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim, equalised after a defensive mix-up allowed Goncalo Ramos to break into the area and square for Samuel Chukwueze to roll home.

United were awarded their penalty just before half-time after Koni De Winter tugged back Youri Tielemans, but Torriani guessed correctly to leave Fernandes frustrated.

United retook the lead after Patrick Dorgu pounced on a loose backpass from Filippo Terracciano, but Milan equalised again when Chukwueze’s wayward shot was poked in by Alphadjo Cisse at the far post.

Rashford, who was frozen out by Amorim and loaned out to Aston Villa and then Barcelona, came on as a substitute on the hour for his first United appearance since returning from Spain.

But Milan went ahead in the 68th minute when Chukwueze’s cross was headed home by Ramos, and three minutes later former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek raced through to hit the fourth.

In the lead up to the game, Michael Carrick has continually said that what is most important is for the players to improve their sharpness.

While it was another significant indication that Rashford is here to stay for the next season after being played 612 since his last game.

The forward came on as part of a raft of changes on the hour mark, with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez also making their first appearances in pre-season.

Rashford was sporting the iconic No.9 shirt, although United noted before kick-off that their squad numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, his introduction coincided with his team's defeat but he worked hard and showed good signs with his movement.