Man United vs Wrexham: Three former United youngsters set for reunion | OneFootball

Manchester United will take on Wrexham A.F.C. later this afternoon in Helsinki, Finland.

First pre-season test

The match is significant as it is Manchester United’s first pre-season match of the new season.

Wrexham are a fascinating opponent owing to their rapid rise up the football league.

The Welsh side were famously taken over by Hollywood celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

They won the National League in 2023 and achieved an incredible three promotions on the bounce to rise to the second tier of English football.

Wrexham were also unlucky last season not to reach the playoffs, finishing seventh, one position below the required sixth place to enter the post-season matches.

Historical United links

The Red Devils have had numerous players represent Wrexham, and one of the most famous was Mickey Thomas.

Current Manchester United keeper Tom Heaton started life in Wrexham’s academy before joining Manchester United’s as a youngster.

David Jones, Ben Foster, and Ritchie De Laet have also represented both teams.

Current Wrexham players with links

The club’s official website has confirmed that, “former United Academy men Matty James, Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith are set to play” for The Red Dragons.

Matty James left Manchester United in 2012 after joining Leicester City, where he spent nine years. He has played the last two seasons with Wrexham.

Rathbone left Carrington in 2016, joining Blackburn Rovers. He signed for Wrexham in 2024.

Finally, Sam Smith left Manchester United’s academy in 2014 for Reading’s. He played for numerous teams across the football league before signing for the Welsh side in 2025.

The match will kick off at 16:00 BST.

Manchester United confirmed squad for Wrexham tie

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