Manchester United kick off their preparations for the 2026-27 season on Saturday when they face Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, in the first of six pre-season friendlies.
Michael Carrick’s side are beginning a crucial campaign after securing a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, which earned them a return to the UEFA Champions League.
With their league opener against newly-promoted Hull City scheduled for August 22, the Red Devils will use the coming weeks to build fitness and integrate new arrivals into the squad.
United have already strengthened their squad with the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, although only Santos is available for this fixture. Tielemans is yet to report after Belgium’s involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Darlow continues his recovery from a minor procedure.
Several first-team stars are also unavailable due to extended breaks following the World Cup, including Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui. Benjamin Sesko also misses out with a shin injury, while Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte remain sidelined.
Despite those absences, Carrick still has plenty of experience to call upon, with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, Joshua Zirkzee and promising youngsters such as Harry Amass, Chido Obi and Shea Lacey all expected to feature.
The match also offers Santos the opportunity to make his unofficial debut after arriving at Old Trafford this summer.
For Wrexham, the fixture marks another milestone in the club’s remarkable rise under Phil Parkinson. After climbing from the National League to the Championship in just four seasons, the Welsh side narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing only two points outside the top six.
Wrexham have yet to make a major signing this summer but remain hopeful of strengthening before the Championship campaign begins. Their preparations continue with friendlies against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland before competitive action starts with an EFL Cup tie against Middlesbrough on August 7, followed by their league opener against Cardiff City.
Former Manchester United academy graduates Matty James and Ollie Rathbone could line up against their former club, while experienced striker Kieffer Moore is expected to lead the attack.
Historically, Manchester United have dominated this fixture, winning all five previous competitive meetings between the clubs, including a memorable 5-2 FA Cup victory in 1995.
Pre-season matches are rarely about the result alone, but with several senior players available and fresh competition for places across the squad, United will be eager to begin their summer schedule with a convincing performance.
Wrexham, meanwhile, will see the contest as another valuable test against elite opposition as they continue their push towards a historic Premier League dream.
