Wrexham Beat Manchester United 1-0 in Helsinki Pre-Season Friendly

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Wrexham in a pre-season friendly in Helsinki after Sam Smith scored the only goal with a tap-in six minutes before half-time from a cross by Lewis O’Brien that passed through Harry Maguire’s legs. Andrey Santos made his debut for the club after joining from Chelsea earlier in the week for an initial £48 million and started at the base of midfield alongside Mason Mount.

The 22-year-old showed a good range of passing in a busy display.

Michael Carrick, the United head coach, praised Santos before the match. “He’s a fantastic character. He’s settled in so quickly and he’s buzzing to be here,” Carrick said. The match drew 20,000 spectators. United created an early chance when Joshua Zirkzee shot wide in the 24th minute while Smith had earlier headed against his own crossbar while defending a corner.

Twenty-one of the 22 players were replaced at half-time, leaving only Wrexham’s Aaron James on the pitch. United’s second-half side consisted of academy products while Wrexham introduced Conor Coady and Kieffer Moore. Wrexham threatened after the break with a low shot from Davis Keillor-Dunn that Radek Vitek saved.

Ethan Wheatley produced United’s first shot on target in the 78th minute, but Dan Ward made the save. United remain unbeaten in five competitive meetings with Wrexham, their last encounter a 5-2 FA Cup win in January 1995. Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship last season.