Ecuadorian defender Pervis Estupiñán played 60 minutes as AC Milan came from behind to defeat Manchester United 4-2 in a preseason friendly on Saturday, August 15.
The left-back was named in the starting lineup for the Italian Serie A club at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław, Poland. Estupiñán occupied the left side of the defence and took an active part in the match before being substituted on the hour mark as AC Milan continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
Manchester United took an early lead in the second minute when English defender Harry Maguire capitalized on an assist from midfielder Bruno Fernandes to score the opening goal. AC Milan drew level in the 37th minute when Nigerian attacker Samuel Chukwueze found the net following a pass from forward Gonçalo Ramos.
Before the half-time break, Manchester United had a clear opportunity to restore their lead from the penalty spot after being awarded a spot kick. However, Portuguese international Fernandes saw his penalty kick saved by Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani.
Second half comeback
Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, retook the lead six minutes into the second half in the 51st minute. Patrick Dorgu took advantage of an error by the Milan defence following a throw-in to put the Premier League team 2-1 ahead.
AC Milan produced an immediate response six minutes later. In the 58th minute, Chukwueze created the equalizer with a cross to the far post, where Alphadjo Cissé arrived to make it 2-2.
The arrival of veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modric off the bench in the second half helped AC Milan gain control of the midfield and turn the contest in their favor. In the 68th minute, Ramos scored with a header from another Chukwueze cross to give Milan a 3-2 lead.
Milan sealed their comeback victory four minutes later in the 72nd minute. Chukwueze was involved in the attacking move once again, setting up midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to score the final goal and secure the 4-2 result.
Preseason form and results
Estupiñán was withdrawn after 60 minutes of action as he continues to build up match fitness and gain valuable minutes ahead of the new campaign. The win represented AC Milan's first victory of their preseason schedule, having previously recorded draws against Scottish champions Celtic and rivals Inter Milan, alongside a defeat against Chelsea.
For Manchester United, the loss served as a setback in their summer preparations. Prior to the match in Poland, Amorim's side had drawn against Leeds United and French champions Paris Saint-Germain, while earning victories over Spanish side Atlético Madrid and Norwegian club Rosenborg.
