Andrey Santos is set to make his first appearance for Manchester United in the pre-season friendly against Wrexham on Saturday, starting in midfield. The Brazilian, who completed a transfer worth up to £50 million from Chelsea earlier this week, is the only one of United's three summer signings to feature in the match at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Team News and Absentees
Manager Michael Carrick named a 25-man squad for the trip to Finland, but several key players are absent. Karl Darlow remains in Manchester as he recovers from a procedure at the end of last season. Youri Tielemans has been granted extra time off after his World Cup exploits with Belgium. The majority of United's representatives in North America, including Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and World Cup finalist Lisandro Martinez, are also not involved.
Manuel Ugarte is a long-term injury absentee, while Benjamin Sesko has not travelled to Finland as he works towards full fitness after missing the final three games of last season.
Starting XI and Bench
Carrick has named a starting lineup that blends youth and experience. The XI features Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo. Santos partners Tyler Fletcher in midfield, with Patrick Dorgu also starting.
On the bench, youngsters Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher—who was in the Scotland World Cup squad—will hope to impress, along with Toby Collyer after loan spells at West Brom and Hull last season. Wonderkid JJ Gabriel was not named in the travelling squad.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 4pm BST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and is available to watch on MUTV. The venue is the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland.
