Manchester United have suffered a frustrating defeat to Wrexham 1-0 in the first game of their pre-season in Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Both teams fielded something close to a strongest XI, with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Bryan Mbeumo featuring for United, and a debut for Andrey Santos after his £48m move from Chelsea. But the link-up play in the final third was not where Michael Carrick would have wanted it to be. The midfield dominated possession and Santos got a good stretch of his legs with his new teammates - showing off an impressive defensive work rate and ability to then carry forward.
Wrexham defended with aggression, closing down space quickly to prevent United finding the final pass and actually found themselves with a couple of good chances in the early goings as Sam Smith found himself in space on numerous occasions.
The breakthrough came for Wrexham came in the 40th minute when Lewis O’Brien found himself with the ball on on the left edge of the penalty area and played a scything ball through Maguire’s legs to find Smith all alone at the back post who was happy to oblige and gave Wrexham the lead against the run of play
There were wholesale changes at half time for both teams, United brought on a completely new XI of youngsters and academy players hoping to break through into the first team this season. They started with attacking intent but just as the senior players, could not break the Wrexham defensive line. Chances began to flow more freely in the final third of the game but aside from a last minute penalty shout there was nothing of consequence in the end for United.
United will travel to Norway next to face Rosenborg and Wrexham will take on Leeds.
Man Utd v Wrexham LIVE
- New United signing Andrey Santos makes unofficial debut after big move from Chelsea
- Sam Smith poaches only goal of game to hand Welsh side victory
- 40' GOAL! Maguire nutmegged by O'Neill as Smith taps home [Man Utd 0-1 Wrexham]
- Carrick's side travel to Norway next to take on Rosenborg on Friday
Full-time: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:54 , James Hicken
Man United fall to defeat against a resolute Wrexham in their first pre-season game. There was a final minute penalty shout that maybe could have been given, but that doesn’t even paper over the cracks of an obvious defensive weakness on the counter attack from United.
Wrexham will take a lot from that victory as they prepare for their third Championship season, the work rate and ability to capitalise on bread crumb chances are positive signs.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:49 , James Hicken
89 mins: This young United side are trying their best to push the action here, playing fast football, but just cannot seem to fully unlock the Wrexham backline who have defended admirably.
Carrick should be happy with the effort his team have put in, but will need to address the lack of balls in the back of the net.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:44 , James Hicken
83 mins: Lacey once again charging down the wing, passes his man with ease and plays one in that pings back up in to the air. Wheatley, with some mature striker intelligence, blocks Ward from collecting and forces him into a tackle - winning a corner.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:38 , James Hicken
78 mins: Now from the left wing for United, Amass, dummies his man and plays a short ball into Wheatley who gets in front of his man, but can’t find the angle or the power to trouble the keeper
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:36 , James Hicken
75 mins: The United substitute, Lacey, has been responsible for creating a couple of chances in the last few minutes. He is playing on the front foot and looking to taking on his opposite man before playing searching passes into the box for his teammates.
Wrexham have not resigned themselves to parking the bus and are looking for smart counter punches when United over commit to finding the equaliser.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:34 , Jack Rathborn
Substitution: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:30 , James Hicken
70 mins: James is replaced after putting in an impressive 70 minute pre-season shift.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:26 , James Hicken
67 mins: Despite the constant pressure, Wrexham claim the first real chance of the half as Keillor-Dunn is played through on the counter-attack and forces a good reaction save from Vitek.
Yellow card: Man United 0-0 Wrexham
17:25 , James Hicken
65 mins: A moment of reprieve for Wrexham who has been pushed back into their own third as Kamason arrives late to a challenge on the edge of the box.
No mal intent but worthy of a card nonetheless
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:19 , James Hicken
59 mins: Play has settled down now as both sets of players look to settle into their roles, United’s captain, fletcher is looking to step into Mounts role and is looking for creative ways forward.
Wrexham managing to repel the surging United - who are all playing like they have a point to prove - but is that what is needed?
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:13 , James Hicken
53 mins: These United youngsters are looking to play with no fear, zipping the ball around without issues.
Wrexham will have to hold firm in these opening minutes.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
17:10 , James Hicken
Man United: Vitek, Amass, Armer, Devaney, Kamason, Gore, Fletcher, Williams, Collyer, Lacey and Wheatley.
Wrexham: Ward, Brunt, Coady, Hyam, Ashfield, Dobson, Rathbone, James, Keillor-Dunn, Barnett, Moore
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
17:05 , James Hicken
46 mins: We are back underway and United will be looking to overturn the one goal deficit with their rising stars.
Half-time: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
17:04 , James Hicken
Changes for both teams at the half as United will bring on their youngsters and academy players for a runout.
Man united have brought on an entirely new starting XI and Wrexham will be expected to do the same, save James who will remain on
Half-time: Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:55 , James Hicken
New signing Andrey Santos put it in a good shift defensively and covered a lot of ground in his debut outing for United.
Mason Mount was looking to be positive and work the ball around but was unable to create any clear cut chances.
Is it an early sign of weakness from United, however, that they conceded a soft goal and had Wrexham’s striker a free man at the back post?
Half-time: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
16:50 , James Hicken
Whilst United have fallen behind early to a flash goal, they were having it mostly their way with more structured and fast paced football.
Credit must go to Wrexham for remaining resolute and taking the opportunity when it came for them.
There will be wholesale changes at half-time, so maybe a some fresh ideas will lead to United getting the end product they have been looking for.
Wrexham will be hoping for more of the same and a bit more possession in the opposition half.
Goal! Man United 0-1 Wrexham
16:42 , James Hicken
40 mins: O’Brien slides a well-weighted cross through Maguire’s legs to find Smith on his own at the back post.
Smith is more than happy to turn it in and give his team the lead against the run of play
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:39 , James Hicken
36 mins: Smith nearly puts it in his own net trying to defend a corner from Mason Mount.
He rises above Yoro and in an attempt to clear bounces it off the upper side of the cross bar. ,
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:34 , James Hicken
32 mins: A nice searching ball forward from Moore ends up at the feet of Broadhead who takes a few touches before letting a shot go that sails over the bar.
Andrey Santos did well to prevent the initial shot in Wrexham’s first venture into United’s half in a little while
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:32 , James Hicken
29 mins: Wrexham have been put on the back foot now as United and more specifically Mount are in total control of the midfield.
They are just missing the final pass.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:27 , James Hicken
24 mins: Some good possession inside the Wrexham half leads to Zirkzee being presented the ball just outside the penalty area - he took a snap shot that he pulled just wide on the turn - positive signs.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:25 , James Hicken
23 mins: Wrexham's defence is holding as United begin to find their footing and are knocking on the door. Mbuemo is beginning to become an active presence with the ball at his feet.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:21 , James Hicken
18 mins: United are looking a bit weak in possession as Heaven has a pass intercepted and leaves Cadamarteri through the lines, but Heaven tracks back beautifully to make a perfectly timed challenge after a loose first touch from the attacker.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:15 , James Hicken
12 mins: Some great composure at the back from Wrexham as United press high and the centre-backs play some neat football in their own penalty to area to escape and get back to midfield.
Both teams struggling to sustain possession here, not allowing for any pressure to build.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:12 , James Hicken
8 mins: A near miss for United there as Zirkzee is dispossessed in midfield and Wrexham break quickly, and Smith finds himself one-on-one with Heaton - he misses the target and the offside flag is raised.
Man United 0-0 Wrexham
16:08 , Jack Rathborn
5 mins
We’re underway and it’s a lively start from Wrexham. United looking to build out from the back.
The high press from Wrexham is a problem, but that’s neat work from Mount building out from the back.
Former Man United defender urges youngsters to seize friendly chance under Michael Carrick
15:47 , Jack Rathborn
“I think what these players and managers are waiting for is to see if these youngsters can grab an opportunity in the pre-season games where you have six weeks to build your fitness and everything else. Whenever there is a game you have to be ready to show the manager no matter whether you’re wearing number 13 or 91, you need the manager to think you can count on me. If there’s an opportunity, grab it,” Mikael Silvestre tells Grosvenor Sport.
“Then, if by the end of the transfer window, after the league starts in August and you’ve had a week or so where you can adjust to the level, these players can show whether or not they belong at this level.
“They can either do something for the first team squad or it’s time to find an intelligent loan move where they know they’re not guaranteed starts but you do have a good chance to play.
“If Manuel Ugarte is out for the season, you need to make room for youngsters from the academy because if you add one or more midfielders, you completely shut down the possibility of players like Jack and Tyler Fletcher to come in and play. That’s for Michael Carrick to think about.”
Marcus Rashford's future remains unclear
15:40 , Jack Rathborn
Marcus Rashford’s £40m Manchester United exit clause has expired, report The Athletic.
After his World Cup ends tonight, with England in the bronze final against France, Rashford will be on holiday before returning to train with United, given Barcelona have opted against signing him permanently, instead preferring Anthony Gordon.
The Athletic reports that the £40m exit clause was not available to Man City or Liverpool, while Barcelona had a €30m (£25.5m) option.
How could Man United line up at full strength for the 2026/27 season?
15:32 , Jack Rathborn
Man United predicted XI for 2026/27: Lamens; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Manuel Ugarte injury update
15:25 , Jack Rathborn
Manuel Ugarte has undergone successful surgery to fix a knee-ligament injury, suffered while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup 2026.
The Manchester United midfielder’s future was not clear before this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans signed.
But an injury could keep Ugarte at Old Trafford until at least January.
“Ugarte will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club’s medical and performance staff,” read a statement. “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Manuel well for his recovery and will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Youri Tielemans believes Man United is 'perfect' for him
15:15 , Jack Rathborn
“I have big experience, 29 years old and I’m ready to push on and make the next step in my career," he added. "That’s why this is the perfect club for me.
“They want to win and, hopefully, be really good on the pitch, so that’s why I chose to come here.
“Being in that leadership role has been really good for me. I find myself naturally in that and, hopefully, I can bring that into the team.”
Wrexham team news and starting line-up
15:06 , Jack Rathborn
Wrexham XI: Okwonkwo, Thomason, Scarr, Doyle, Vyner, James, James, O’Brien, Broadhead, Cadamarteri, Smith
Our first-half XI in Helsinki 🇫🇮
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) July 18, 2026
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/WrXbc2B7JQ
Man United team news as Andrey Santos makes debut
15:06 , Jack Rathborn
Man United XI: Heaton, Yoro, Heaven, Maguire (c), Shaw, Santos, J. Fletcher, Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Dorgu
Lining up for our first fixture of pre-season! 🇫🇮
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2026
Watch LIVE on MUTV ⤵️
Youri Tielemans explains why he joined Man United
15:05 , Jack Rathborn
“I think it’s a great step up for myself. The club is in a great place, and I feel like there is a lot of ambition inside the club,” he said, in his signing interview.
“Inside the team, there’s a lot of quality and I feel like this is a good step for me to push on and hopefully win many, many titles with the club.
“I’m very happy and very excited to start, and to meet my team-mates and be on the pitch together.”
Jason Wilcox bullish on Man United ambitions for 2026/27 season
14:55 , Jack Rathborn
“Michael has done an excellent job and thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue as head coach of our men’s team,” director of football Jason Wilcox. “The hard work continues behind the scenes to prepare his first-team squad for next season. We can all be proud of the winning culture that is developing at Carrington as we continue to build a talented and determined group of players ready to compete across all four competitions.
“You can sense the anticipation across the club for another exciting season ahead. I hope that you are all also looking forward to the return of special European nights for our men’s team at Old Trafford.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I am grateful for the opportunity to directly thank you for your unwavering support, the importance of which certainly does not go unnoticed or underappreciated.
“We remain hugely ambitious, and our burning desire for every Manchester United team to compete for the biggest honours continues to drive us forward.”
Man United 2026/27 transfer window - incomings
14:45 , Jack Rathborn
- Andrey Santos, from Chelsea - £47.6m
- Youri Tielemans, from Aston Villa - £34.9m
- Karl Darlow, free transfer
- Marcus Rashford, end of loan to Barcelona
Man United squad to face Wrexham
14:35 , Jack Rathborn
Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Dermot Mee.
Defenders: Harry Maguire, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, Dan Armer.
Midfielders: Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites.
Forwards: Joshua Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Ethan Wheatley, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams.
Michael Carrick enjoys trip to Wimbledon before Man United pre-season
14:25 , Jack Rathborn
Michael Carrick has got to work now, a first full Manchester United season in charge.
But the United boss enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon earlier this month.
Man United predicted line-up v Wrexham
14:15 , Jack Rathborn
Starting XI: Vitek; Kamason, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Mbeumo, Fletcher, Lacey; Zirkzee
Man United v Wrexham
14:05 , Jack Rathborn
JJ Gabriel has not travelled with Man United, nor has Benjamin Sesko, who is still not fully fit after his 2025/26 season was cut short due to injury. Manuel Ugarte is also still out injured, so will not feature here.
Furthermore, several players are still absent due to their involvement in the World Cup knockout stages, including finalist Lisandro Martinez, new signing Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad Diallo and Senne Lammens.
Yet Andrey Santos, who just joined the club from Chelsea, could feature after being pictured in training.
Man United v Wrexham: The 2026/27 season is already upon us
11:14 , Jack Rathborn
Welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of Man United v Wrexham, a pre-season friendly for one of the biggest clubs in the world before the 2026 World Cup final is over.
It feels a long time ago, but Michael Carrick guided the Red Devils back to the top of European football and qualification for the Champions League.
Now, a test against promotion-chasing Wrexham in Finland.
How will United look this early? With the biggest game in football still 30 hours away, a change of pace comes as pre-season gathers pace already. Follow live build-up and team news in the coming hours.
