Manchester United vs Wrexham: Opening Pre-Season Friendly
Manchester United begin their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki today. The Reds have a busy summer schedule, facing Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds, and AC Milan across Europe over the coming weeks.
New signing Andre Santos has made the trip after completing a £50 million move from Chelsea earlier this week. However, fellow midfielder Youri Tielemans, whose signing was announced on Tuesday, is enjoying a post-World Cup break after helping Belgium reach the quarter-finals.
Confirmed Squad and Team Predictions
United's squad for the match includes goalkeepers Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, and Dermot Mee. Defenders named are Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, and Dan Armer. Midfielders include Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney, and Jim Thwaites. Forwards are Joshua Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Ethan Wheatley, Shea Lacey, and Ethan Williams.
Our writers have shared their predicted line-ups. Tyrone Marshall expects two different teams for each half, combining youth and experience. He suggests Heaton in goal, Kamason and Amass at full-backs, with Maguire and Yoro in central defence. Santos could start alongside Tyler Fletcher in midfield, with Dorgu on the left, Mbeumo on the right, and Obi through the middle.
Steven Railston highlights Santos' debut and would pair him with Collyer and Mount in midfield. He wants Kamason at right-back after a strong 2024/25 season cut short by injury, and Lacey as a promising winger. Wheatley, a highly rated striker, should start up front, he says.
Marcus Rashford's Return Timeline
Marcus Rashford could return to United around August 10 after a post-World Cup break. The forward made only two starts at the tournament for England and came off the bench in the semi-final loss to Argentina. United typically give players at least three weeks off after international tournaments.
The club held positive talks with Rashford's camp and are comfortable with his return date. His reintegration would be overseen by Michael Carrick, who has played alongside, coached, and briefly managed him.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the match.
