Wrexham edge Manchester United in Helsinki opener
Wrexham beat Manchester United 1-0 in their opening pre-season fixture of the summer at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Sam Smith’s far-post tap-in six minutes before half-time proved the difference against Michael Carrick’s side.
Santos debuts before half-time overhaul
New £50m signing from Chelsea Andrey Santos made his Manchester United debut in central midfield, playing the first 45 minutes alongside Mason Mount and Jack Fletcher. Carrick changed every player at the break, sending on Academy stars captained by Tyler Fletcher for the second period.
The Brazil midfielder had little chance to impress before the changes, with United trailing at the interval. Carrick said afterwards that Andrey is “getting into a rhythm, getting a feeling of it again” after the appearance.
How the goal came and chances either way
Wrexham led against the run of play in the 39th minute when a throw down their left found O’Brien, whose low ball across the six-yard box went through Harry Maguire’s legs to the unmarked Smith. United had earlier threatened through Zirkzee’s drive inches past the post and a Mount corner that Smith inadvertently headed against his own bar under pressure from Yoro.
Backup goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who caught the eye on loan at Bristol City last season, kept the deficit at one with a second-half leg save against Davis Keillor-Dunn. Wrexham could have scored more but for that block midway through the period.
Carrick’s view from the touchline
“As I said before the game, the boys have been back together for kind of a week properly, 10 days or so,” Carrick told MUTV. He added that the priority was getting through the match with no injuries and finding positives rather than perfection.
“I think the most important thing of all for us is that everyone came through it and in good shape and no injuries, so we can, we can move on again and take the next step going into the next game next week,” he said. Carrick noted Mason Mount “did some really good things and connected really well” and looked ahead to World Cup players returning soon.
Next up for United
United face Rosenborg in Trondheim on July 24 in their next pre-season clash. Carrick’s focus remains on building toward the start of the 2026/26 Premier League campaign.
That league opener is at newly promoted Hull City on August 22. The Wrexham result is largely irrelevant given the Championship side’s head start in preparations.