Man United v Wrexham LIVE: New signing Andrey Santos makes debut in first pre-season friendly – UK Times

“Michael has done an excellent job and thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue as head coach of our men’s team,” director of football Jason Wilcox. “The hard work continues behind the scenes to prepare his first-team squad for next season. We can all be proud of the winning culture that is developing at Carrington as we continue to build a talented and determined group of players ready to compete across all four competitions.

“You can sense the anticipation across the club for another exciting season ahead. I hope that you are all also looking forward to the return of special European nights for our men’s team at Old Trafford.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I am grateful for the opportunity to directly thank you for your unwavering support, the importance of which certainly does not go unnoticed or underappreciated.

“We remain hugely ambitious, and our burning desire for every Manchester United team to compete for the biggest honours continues to drive us forward.”

• Andrey Santos, from Chelsea – £47.6m
• Youri Tielemans, from Aston Villa – £34.9m
• Karl Darlow, free transfer
• Marcus Rashford, end of loan to Barcelona

Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Dermot Mee.

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, Dan Armer.

Midfielders: Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites.

Forwards: Joshua Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Ethan Wheatley, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams.

Michael Carrick has got to work now, a first full Manchester United season in charge.

But the United boss enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon earlier this month.

Starting XI: Vitek; Kamason, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Mbeumo, Fletcher, Lacey; Zirkzee

JJ Gabriel has not travelled with Man United, nor has Benjamin Sesko, who is still not fully fit after his 2025/26 season was cut short due to injury. Manuel Ugarte is also still out injured, so will not feature here.

Furthermore, several players are still absent due to their involvement in the World Cup knockout stages, including finalist Lisandro Martinez, new signing Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad Diallo and Senne Lammens.

Yet Andrey Santos, who just joined the club from Chelsea, could feature after being pictured in training.

Welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of Man United v Wrexham, a pre-season friendly for one of the biggest clubs in the world before the 2026 World Cup final is over.

It feels a long time ago, but Michael Carrick guided the Red Devils back to the top of European football and qualification for the Champions League.

Now, a test against promotion-chasing Wrexham in Finland.

How will United look this early? With the biggest game in football still 30 hours away, a change of pace comes as pre-season gathers pace already. Follow live build-up and team news in the coming hours.