Wrexham deals Manchester United a pre-season loss
Manchester United's first pre-season friendly of 2026-2027 ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.
Michael Carrick named a recognisable starting line-up in the first half, but it was Sam Smith's 39th-minute goal that settled the match.
Patrick Dorgu saw a chance deflected wide midway through the first half before Smith almost netted an own goal, deflecting a Mason Mount corner against the crossbar.
Joshua Zirkzee then saw two opportunities go begging, including a snapshot that flashed just wide of the post, which had Arthur Okonkwo worried.
But from a throw-in on the left, Lewis O'Brien squared a low cross through Harry Maguire's legs to an unmarked Smith at the far post, and he converted from close range.
Both sides made wholesale changes at the break, and Davis Keillor-Dunn almost doubled Wrexham's lead after latching on to a throughball, but Radek Vitek made the save with his foot.
Ethan Wheatley and Shea Lacey both sent tame efforts at Danny Ward, and although United's youngsters dominated possession in the latter stages, they could not find an equaliser, having a last-second penalty claim waved away.
Despite having a number of players not in the squad due to their World Cup participation, Carrick was able to name a fairly strong starting line-up.
However, it was evident that Wrexham has had a slightly longer pre-season as it showed more cohesion within ist team, evidenced by snatching the win.
"There were loads of little positives to take from the game. I thought Andrey and Mason did some really good things and connected well," Carrick said after the game.
"At the top end of the pitch, just because it is a week in, those sharp little movements that you are looking for, they come as you progress through weeks of training.
"That is what it is. There were good signs from Andrey on his first one, he's getting into the rhythm and feel of it again, so it was good to see him in a red shirt.
"As I said before the game, the boys have only been back together for 10 days or so.
"It was just about getting through today, looking for some positives, looking for some good things and knowing that it wasn't going to be perfect.
"That is only natural for the first one. I think the most important thing is that everyone came through it in good shape, so we can move on and take the next step next week."
United's next pre-season assignment sees it visit Norwegian side Rosenborg next weekend, with further matches against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan to come.
