Manchester United’s friendly with Wrexham in Helsinki as part of the 2026 pre-season tour sees two clubs with a long history face off at the Helsingin Olympiastadion.
The last time Manchester United played Wrexham was on the 2023 pre-season tour in San Diego. A youthful Reds side, barring the exception of an experienced Jonny Evans, suffered a 3-1 defeat and Dan Gore was shown a red card just two minutes into the second half.
Although the next meeting between the two clubs will be similar on Saturday, as it’s a pre-season friendly, they have also met on five occasions for competitive matches.
The last meeting came in 1995, with United beating Wrexham 5-2 in the FA Cup. Five years earlier, the Reds won both legs convincingly against the Welsh outfit in the European Cup Winners’ Cup. United also recorded FA Cup and League Cup wins over the Red Dragons in 1957 and 1969.
This is how Man United lined up vs Wrexham when the sides last met in 2023
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Mickey Thomas
The only player on this list who you can argue is an icon at both clubs is Mickey Thomas.
The tricky winger came through the ranks at Wrexham, making over 230 appearances as a star player in the late 70s before signing for United in 1978.
Thomas played 110 games for United and started in the 1979 FA Cup defeat against Arsenal alongside players like Gordon McQueen, Martin Buchan, Steve Coppell, Jimmy Greenhoff, Joe Jordan and Lou Macari.
He eventually returned to Wrexham later in his career and scored an iconic free-kick that helped the Welsh side knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup in 1992.
Tom Heaton
Tom Heaton began his football journey at Wrexham’s academy, but he joined United’s academy in 1997 before spending years coming through the youth ranks.
Heaton was never given a first-team appearance under Sir Alex Ferguson, but he went on to establish himself as a reliable goalkeeper at Burnley and Aston Villa.
In 2021, Heaton returned to United and recently signed a new deal to remain at the club for another season as an experienced back-up goalkeeper.
David Jones
Born in Southport, David Jones joined United’s academy in 1995 at the age of 10.
Jones worked his way through the youth ranks and made four senior appearances under Ferguson.
In the latter stages of his career, Jones joined Wrexham and transitioned into a coaching role.
Ben Foster
Ben Foster initially joined Wrexham on loan from Stoke City in 2005 and played a key role in the LDV Vans Trophy final victory, only to catch the eye of Ferguson.
Foster would sign for United later in the year, but he never cemented a place in the first team because he was the back-up option to Edwin van der Sar.
The highlight of his time at United came in the 2009 Carling Cup final against Tottenham, playing 120 minutes before the match went to penalties. Foster saved the first penalty from Jamie O’Hara, and United won the shootout 4-1.
Nearly two decades after signing for United, Foster came out of retirement in 2023 to return to Wrexham for a brief period.
IF Andrey Santos is available to play Wrexham, who would you like to see him start alongside out of the available options?
Andrey Santos is training already!
Ritchie De Laet
Ritchie De Laet signed for United following a brief stint at Wrexham on loan from Stoke City.
The versatile Belgian defender, who later won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016, went on to win United’s Reserve Player of the Year award and made six senior appearances for the Reds.
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