Amorim Faces Pressure as Carrick Leads United into New Season

AC Milan and Manchester United step into their new seasons carrying very different baggage.

At San Siro, the mood is edgy. Ruben Amorim has walked back into Serie A after a bruising stint at Old Trafford, where he never escaped the shadow of the Manchester United bench and left midway through last season. Now he inherits a Milan side that stumbled to fifth in Serie A and a fanbase that expects a sharp climb, not another year on the fringes of the title race.

The pressure is immediate. So are the questions.

Top Concerns

Top of the list: Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward is the club’s great wild card, but also its great worry. His future hangs in the air, with the attacker reportedly eyeing a move away from Milan. Every team sheet, every warm-up, every gesture will be read for clues. Is he fully in, or already halfway out the door?

There is no such suspense with Christian Pulisic. The American remains sidelined, still dealing with the injury that wrecked his World Cup and continues to stall his momentum. For Amorim, that’s one less creative option and one more early headache.

United's Calm Approach

Across the divide, United approach the new Premier League campaign with something they’ve lacked for years: a sense of calm.

Michael Carrick begins his first full season in the job after stepping in for Amorim in January and steering United to third. That finish didn’t just restore some pride; it restored order. The club finally feels aligned again, from the dugout to the stands, and Carrick walks into this campaign with credit in the bank and a clear idea of what he wants.

The squad reflects that stability. Youri Tielemans is the headline arrival, a signing designed to add control and personality in midfield. United fans will be watching closely to see how quickly he stamps his authority on the team, and whether his understanding with the existing core can lift them another level.

Upcoming Fixtures

Both clubs open their league seasons next weekend — Milan against Torino, United away to Hull City — which raises the stakes for their meeting now. This is no casual summer kickabout. With the former and current United coaches facing off, both are expected to send out sides close to full strength, a serious rehearsal rather than a gentle tune-up.

The cameras will be there, with the match live on beIN SPORTS. So will the narratives: Amorim trying to prove he belongs back at the top after a failed Premier League venture, Carrick trying to show that last season’s surge was not a one-off.

One man fighting to change perceptions. Another trying to confirm them. The new season starts here.