Manchester United began their pre-season preparations by taking on Wrexham at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.
Manchester United faced Wrexham in pre-season action on Saturday. (Image: Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s pre-season began with a match against Championship side Wrexham at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Wrexham won 1-0 with a first-half goal from Sam Smith.
Wrexham were caught off guard by United’s high pressing early on and created several chances, but United withstood the pressure. Things calmed down after the first 10 minutes, but they still had to be wary of counterattacks.
Michael Carrick’s side struggled to deal with long balls from the Championship side. However, it was from a throw-in that Wrexham took the lead. The ball passed through the six-yard box and an unmarked Smith put the ball into an empty net.
This was the goal that separated the two at the half-time whistle. Wrexham, who are further along in their pre-season preparations, looked sharper and deserved the lead.
United made 11 changes at half-time, giving the second 45-man squad a more youthful look as the younger players were given a chance to impress Carrick. Despite the youth of the team, United looked more comfortable on the ball and Wrexham also made some changes at the half-time break.
However, Wrexham had a chance to double their lead and United were grateful to Radak Vitek for keeping the score at 1-0.
The young team looked for an equalizer but only had half the chances, with Danny Ward making only a comfortable save. United remained frustrated as the Welsh team watched on.
Here is the evaluation of the players at the Olympic Stadium.
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Manchester United player ratings
tom heaton 5
An early mistake gave Wrexham a chance to take the lead. Couldn’t contribute much to Wrexham’s goals.
Yoro Lenny 5
He played the role of right back, which he was not used to. That may have played a part in Wrexham’s opening goal, which came from United’s right flank.
Aiden Heaven 4
They held the ball too casually in the first half and were denied the ball, but they made a great recovery challenge inside the penalty area to thwart their chances. He switched off towards Wrexham’s goal without realizing who was around him.
harry maguire 5
Every time he stood on the ball, the locals cheered. He was not afraid to step into midfield to start United’s attacks, but led a defense that struggled to deal with long balls from Wrexham.
luke shaw 6
Looking to get as far forward as possible, Wrexham had some early joy as they slotted a long ball into the channel.
Andrei Santos 7
Wrexham lost the ball in the middle of the park with a dangerous chance, but it was saved by the offside flag. He is always looking to get involved deep and helps eliminate danger in front of the defense.
Jack Fletcher 5
I wanted to come forward as much as possible and help the attack, but I didn’t get very good service.
mason mount 5
Busy in the middle of the park, looking for more creative passes to create chances.
Brian Mbeumo 6
He showed some clean touches and was United’s most dangerous attacking threat. He intended to help Yoro’s defense on the right side.
Joshua Zurzi 4
As usual, we went deep and tried to connect plays. His touch often disappointed him.
patrick dorug 5
He played an advanced role on the left flank in front of Luke Shaw, but the two swapped frequently, allowing Dorg to drop back and Shaw to move forward.
Brian Mbeumo during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham. (Image: Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
second half
Ladakh Vitek 7
He was more involved in build-up play than Heaton and had a much higher starting position, providing options for the defense. A good save prevented Wrexham from doubling their lead in a one-on-one situation.
Jadan Camason 6
Like any modern full-back, he was happy to move forward with the ball and join the attack. Booked for a late challenge in Dobson.
Dan Armor 7
Both centre-backs looked comfortable in possession and were not too bothered by Wrexham’s attack.
Jacob Devaney 7
Both centre-backs looked comfortable in possession, with their defensive partners not being too bothered by Wrexham’s attack, which included Kieffer Moore.
harry amas 7
United, looking to play Wrexham, weren’t afraid to push forward and showed a great challenge winning the ball back and launching an attack.
Dan Gore 8
He broke through the Wrexham defense brilliantly and created perhaps United’s best chance. He got a good position in midfield. And he showed good touch.
tyler fletcher 8
In the second half, he set an example by wearing the captain’s armband and covering the defense well. In the middle of the park.
Tyler Fletcher wore the Man United captain’s armband during the second half of the pre-season friendly against Wrexham. (Image: Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
shea lacey 6
A meek shot was saved by Danny Ward, but they struggled to get involved much in the second half.
toby collier 7
He retreated well to avoid danger, but often led the press as one of the more advanced midfielders.
ethan williams 6
He struggled to get too involved on the right flank, but bounced back well and helped the defense when needed.
ethan wheatley 6
They tried to get in behind the Wrexham defense but struggled to keep possession with their backs to goal. When the ball went into the box, it was a threat.
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