Manchester United v Wrexham LIVE: New signing Andrey Santos makes debut in first pre-season friendly | OneFootball

Manchester United will increase the intensity of their pre-season preparation today, as they face Wrexham in Finland.

The friendly will be Man United’s first game of the summer, as former club midfielder Michael Carrick prepares for his first full season in charge of the Red Devils.

And although many of his key players will be absent against Championship side Wrexham – who have their sights set on promotion to the Premier League next year – new signing Andrey Santos could feature.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see whom Carrick deploys in Helsinki, with some experienced players like Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw named in the travelling squad, as well as numerous young talents.

Man United 0-0 Wrexham

5 mins

We’re underway and it’s a lively start from Wrexham. United looking to build out from the back.

The high press from Wrexham is a problem, but that’s neat work from Mount building out from the back.

Former Man United defender urges youngsters to seize friendly chance under Michael Carrick

“I think what these players and managers are waiting for is to see if these youngsters can grab an opportunity in the pre-season games where you have six weeks to build your fitness and everything else. Whenever there is a game you have to be ready to show the manager no matter whether you’re wearing number 13 or 91, you need the manager to think you can count on me. If there’s an opportunity, grab it,” Mikael Silvestre tells Grosvenor Sport.

“Then, if by the end of the transfer window, after the league starts in August and you’ve had a week or so where you can adjust to the level, these players can show whether or not they belong at this level.

“They can either do something for the first team squad or it’s time to find an intelligent loan move where they know they’re not guaranteed starts but you do have a good chance to play.

“If Manuel Ugarte is out for the season, you need to make room for youngsters from the academy because if you add one or more midfielders, you completely shut down the possibility of players like Jack and Tyler Fletcher to come in and play. That’s for Michael Carrick to think about.”

Manuel Ugarte injury update

Manuel Ugarte has undergone successful surgery to fix a knee-ligament injury, suffered while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup 2026.

The Manchester United midfielder’s future was not clear before this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans signed.

But an injury could keep Ugarte at Old Trafford until at least January.

“Ugarte will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club’s medical and performance staff,” read a statement. “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Manuel well for his recovery and will be supporting him every step of the way.”

Manuel Ugarte collided with a teammate (AP)

Jack Rathborn18 July 2026 15:25

Youri Tielemans believes Man United is 'perfect' for him

“I have big experience, 29 years old and I’m ready to push on and make the next step in my career," he added. "That’s why this is the perfect club for me.

“They want to win and, hopefully, be really good on the pitch, so that’s why I chose to come here.

“Being in that leadership role has been really good for me. I find myself naturally in that and, hopefully, I can bring that into the team.”

Belgium's Youri Tielemans in action at the World Cup 2026 (Reuters)

Jack Rathborn18 July 2026 15:15

Man United team news as Andrey Santos makes debut

Man United XI: Heaton, Yoro, Heaven, Maguire (c), Shaw, Santos, J. Fletcher, Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Dorgu

Jack Rathborn18 July 2026 15:06

Youri Tielemans explains why he joined Man United

“I think it’s a great step up for myself. The club is in a great place, and I feel like there is a lot of ambition inside the club,” he said, in his signing interview.

“Inside the team, there’s a lot of quality and I feel like this is a good step for me to push on and hopefully win many, many titles with the club.

“I’m very happy and very excited to start, and to meet my team-mates and be on the pitch together.”

Jack Rathborn18 July 2026 15:05

Jason Wilcox bullish on Man United ambitions for 2026/27 season

“Michael has done an excellent job and thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue as head coach of our men’s team,” director of football Jason Wilcox. “The hard work continues behind the scenes to prepare his first-team squad for next season. We can all be proud of the winning culture that is developing at Carrington as we continue to build a talented and determined group of players ready to compete across all four competitions.

“You can sense the anticipation across the club for another exciting season ahead. I hope that you are all also looking forward to the return of special European nights for our men’s team at Old Trafford.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I am grateful for the opportunity to directly thank you for your unwavering support, the importance of which certainly does not go unnoticed or underappreciated.

“We remain hugely ambitious, and our burning desire for every Manchester United team to compete for the biggest honours continues to drive us forward.”

Jason Wilcox (left) and Omar Berrada (right) will be leading Manchester United’s summer recruitment (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Jack Rathborn18 July 2026 14:55