Andrey Santos is poised to make his debut for Manchester United in the pre-season friendly against Wrexham this afternoon. The Brazilian midfielder completed his transfer from Chelsea earlier this week in a deal that could reach £50 million. He is the only one of United's three summer signings expected to feature at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Squad Selection and Absentees
Head coach Michael Carrick has named a 25-man squad for the trip to Finland. 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 following his World Cup exploits with Belgium. The majority of United's representatives in North America will not feature, explaining the absences of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and World Cup 2026 finalist Lisandro Martinez.
Manuel Ugarte is a long-term injury absentee, while Benjamin Sesko has not travelled to Finland and is working towards full fitness after missing the final three games of last season.
Youth and Experience in the Lineup
Carrick has blended youth and experience in the squad. Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo are expected to get minutes. Radek Vitek could start in goal, while youngster Jaydan Kamason may benefit from the lack of senior right-backs. Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher—who was in the Scotland World Cup squad—will aim to impress, along with Toby Collyer after loan spells at West Brom and Hull. Wonderkid JJ Gabriel has not been named in the travelling squad.
Predicted XI and Match Details
Predicted Manchester United XI: Vitek; Kamason, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Mbeumo, T. Fletcher, Lacey; Zirkzee. Injured: Ugarte, Sesko, Darlow. Time and date: 4pm BST on Saturday, July 18, 2026. How to watch: MUTV. Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
