Manchester United began the next stage of their 2026-27 preparations on Saturday with a preseason defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki. The friendly opened a rare all-European summer tour after part of Michael Carrick's squad returned to training earlier this month.
United have often spent part of preseason in North America or East Asia, but this summer started in Finland against familiar opposition. Wrexham also won the clubs' previous friendly in San Diego in 2023.
Sam Smith scored the only goal late in the first half, converting from close range after being left unmarked at the far post. Chances were limited at both ends as two teams returning from their summer breaks struggled for rhythm.
United improved after halftime when Carrick introduced a younger side eager to make an impression.
Andrey Santos makes unofficial United debut
Andrey Santos made an immediate unofficial debut only days after completing his £50 million ($67 million) transfer from Chelsea. The Brazilian started alongside Jack Fletcher and Mason Mount in midfield.
Santos completed 93% of his 42 attempted passes, although only a small share went into the final third. His controlled distribution offered an early indication that he could provide a reliable base for United's more creative midfielders.
Youri Tielemans will have to wait longer before becoming involved.
United await World Cup returnees
United were missing 15 players for several reasons, with World Cup involvement accounting for most of the absences. Benjamin Sesko remained in Manchester to build his fitness, while Karl Darlow is still recovering from a procedure performed at the end of last season.
Matthijs de Light also remains unavailable following back surgery. Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez are expected to return during the latter stages of preseason after completing their mandatory rest following the final weekend of the World Cup.
United have further friendlies scheduled in Ireland and Poland, beginning on Aug. 12, and the full group is expected to be available by that stage.
With several regular starters absent, the Wrexham match gave Ayden Heaven, Joshua Zirkzee, Mount and Fletcher an opportunity to strengthen their claims. Popular third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton also made a rare appearance.
The defeat was disappointing, but United's players were not expected to be at full speed in their opening friendly of the summer.
Academy XI plays the second half
Carrick changed the entire team at halftime, replacing all 11 starters with a lineup made up exclusively of recent academy graduates. Tyler Fletcher, a 2026 World Cup selection, captained the second-half side.
Toby Collyer, Shea Lacey, Harry Amass, Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley already have first-team experience. Daniel Armer, Jayden Kamason, Jacob Devaney and Ethan Williams are less established at senior level.
Devaney delivered the standout passing statistic, finding a teammate with all 65 of his attempts. Not every academy player involved is expected to reach Carrick's 2026-27 squad or remain for the full tour, but the match provided valuable senior exposure.
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek replaced Heaton but is unlikely to stay at Old Trafford following Darlow's arrival. After spending last season on loan at Bristol City in the EFL Championship, Vitek could leave on another loan or be sold.