Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat against Wrexham at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.
With just over a week of training under their belt, Manchester United started their 2026 pre-season tour in Finland with a 1-0 defeat against Wrexham.
United looked defensively sound until Wrexham opened the scoring in the 39th minute as Sam Smith was left unmarked to tap home at the back post.
Michael Carrick made wholesale changes at the break, but a youthful Reds side were unable to find an equaliser in what was a constructive friendly, regardless of the result.
What did YOU make of Andrey Santos’ pre-season debut for Man Utd vs Wrexham?
Santos played 45 minutes in the first half…
First glimpse of Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos was named in the starting line-up against Wrexham just days after completing a £48m transfer from Chelsea.
Looking confident and unfazed, the 22-year-old showed his awareness early on by tracking back to prevent a Wrexham goalscoring opportunity – though goalkeeper Tom Heaton appeared to have been fouled in the build-up.
Santos delivered a tidy performance, ensuring most of his passes reached the desired destination, while anchoring the midfield as a protective shield ahead of the back four.
He registered 55 touches, creating two chances, and completing 93% of his passes.
However, the standout moment came in the 16th minute. After being fouled by Smith, the midfielder picked himself up and confronted the Wrexham star. That sense of bite or fire is welcome and appreciated.
Joshua Zirkzee gave Wrexham’s defence nothing to fear
Joshua Zirkzee produced some decent touches and carved out United’s best chance of the first half with a snapshot from outside the box that flew just wide.
While the Netherlands international looked sharp in flashes, he rarely made life difficult for Wrexham’s defence.
It may only be the first pre-season friendly of the summer, but Zirkzee must offer significantly more if he is to make a positive impact at United in the upcoming campaign.
Ethan Wheatley caused more problems for Wrexham in the second half.
Leny Yoro slots in at right-back
Leny Yoro was given a licence to push forward from right-back, showcasing the attacking instincts we have come to expect from the young French defender.
It is going to be a pivotal campaign for Yoro, who must see every chance that comes his way, whether deployed at centre-back or full-back.
Yoro’s physical presence was felt in the 36th-minute when Wrexham’s Smith almost forced the ball into his own net from a corner kick, even though the United defender didn’t get a touch on the ball.
First half vs second half
Carrick named the strongest starting line-up possible for the first half, but he made wholesale changes at the break, introducing a youthful XI for the second half.
Predictably, since it was the first pre-season friendly of the summer, the rustiness was evident from United’s players.
I’d argue that the Reds were more positive and brave on the ball in the second half, and pinned Wrexham into their own half for large periods.
It was also an opportunity for Harry Amass to get some crucial minutes under his belt at left-back after missing the end of Norwich City’s season (on loan) due to injury.
Wrexham were hanging on throughout the second half.
Tyler Fletcher captained United’s XI in the second half vs Wrexham – Which young players caught your eye?
Who really impressed you?
Microsoft Surface logo looks ugly on the back of the shirt
Today offered a first look at the Microsoft Surface logo displayed on the back of United’s new home shirt.
As is the case with most jersey sponsorships, additional branding compromises the kit design, despite being a financially rewarding asset for the club’s revenue streams.
This new addition is set to feature for the remainder of pre-season before transitioning to all domestic cup fixtures throughout the 2026/27 season.
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