Manchester United begin their 2026-27 preparations in Helsinki on Saturday, facing Championship side Wrexham in the first of six summer friendlies. The Red Devils are building towards a Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22. Wrexham start their campaign earlier, meeting Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup on August 7.
United arrive off the back of a third-place finish that returned them to the Champions League, with Michael Carrick appointed on a permanent basis. Three signings have already arrived in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, with three more expected before the window closes. The World Cup has reshaped their pre-season, keeping them in Europe for fixtures against Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Leeds and AC Milan.
Wrexham continue one of the more remarkable recent rises in English football, having climbed from the National League to the Championship in four seasons. Phil Parkinson's side finished seventh last term, two points short of the playoffs. They drew 0-0 with Wisla Krakow in their first pre-season outing on July 11.
Manchester United vs Wrexham: Key Stats
Head-to-head: United have won all 5 competitive meetings
Last meeting: United won 5-2 in the FA Cup fourth round in January 1995
United are without 11 first-team players due to World Cup involvement
Wrexham finished 7th in the Championship, 2 points off the playoffs
Wrexham have made no first-team signings this summer
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
United's squad is heavily depleted, with Fernandes, Rashford, Cunha, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Mazraoui and others all absent following World Cup duty. Darlow and Santos could make their debuts, while Tielemans has not yet joined up. Youngsters including Harry Amass, Shea Lacey and Toby Collyer have been drafted into the group.
Carrick still has genuine quality available in Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mount, Mbeumo and Zirkzee. Sesko may sit out with the shin problem that troubled him late last season, while De Ligt and Ugarte remain long-term absentees. Expect heavy rotation and plenty of minutes for academy players.
Wrexham have yet to make a first-team signing and have lost Paul Mullin. Kieffer Moore is expected to lead the line, with academy graduates Matty James and Ollie Rathbone facing their former club. Parkinson used different sides in each half against Wisla Krakow and may do so again.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Darlow; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Collyer; Lacey, Mount, Dorgu; Mbeumo
Wrexham (4-3-3)
Ward; James, Scarr, Doyle, Barnett; James, O'Brien, Thomason; Keillor-Dunn, Cadamarteri, Moore
Players to Watch
Bryan Mbeumo - Leads United's attack in the absence of their World Cup contingent and is one of the few established forwards available. With Sesko doubtful, he carries the goal threat and should see significant minutes early.
Andrey Santos - Could make his United debut in midfield after arriving this summer. The friendly gives Carrick an early look at how he fits alongside the existing options, and it is his first chance to make an impression.
Kieffer Moore - Wrexham's most reliable focal point and likely to start against a makeshift United back line. His aerial presence gives the Championship side a route to trouble a defence short on cohesion.
Mason Mount - Among the more experienced United players available and should feature in an advanced role. A strong pre-season matters for a player looking to establish himself under Carrick.
Prediction
Prediction: Manchester United to win, over 2.5 goals @ 1.95
United's depth advantage remains significant even with 11 senior players missing, and they have won all five previous competitive meetings. Wrexham's squad is settled but untested this summer, and a Championship side facing Premier League opposition typically concedes chances.
Pre-season friendlies rarely produce tight, cagey affairs, particularly with both managers likely to make wholesale changes. United's attacking options should be enough to secure the win, while Wrexham have the personnel to threaten a reshuffled defence. Goals look likely in Helsinki.