Manchester United have suffered a frustrating defeat to Wrexham 1-0 in the first game of their pre-season in Finland at the Helsingin olympiastadion.
Both teams fielded something close to a strongest XI, with players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Bryan Mbeumo featuring for United, but the link-up play in the final third was not where Michael Carrick would have wanted it to be. The midfield dominated possession and new signing Andrey Santos got a good stretch of his legs with his new teammates – showing off an impressive defensive work rate and ability to then carry forward.
Wrexham defended with aggression, closing down space quickly to prevent United finding the final pass and actually found themselves with a couple of good chances in the early goings as Sam Smith found himself in space on numerous occasions.
The breakthrough came for Wrexham came in the 40th minute when Lewis O’Brien found himself with the ball on on the left edge of the penalty area and played a scything ball through Maguire’s legs to find Smith all alone at the back post who was happy to oblige and gave Wrexham the lead against the run of play
There were wholesale changes at half time for both teams, United brought on a completely new XI of youngsters and academy players hoping to break through into the first team this season. They started with attacking intent but just as the senior players, could not break the Wrexham defensive line. Chances began to flow more freely in the final third of the game but aside from a last minute penalty shout there was nothing of consequence in the end for United.
United will travel to Norway next to face Rosenborg and Wrexham will take on Leeds.
Full-time: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
Man United fall to defeat against a resolute Wrexham in their first pre-season game. There was a final minute penalty shout that maybe could have been given, but that doesn’t even paper over the cracks of an obvious defensive weakness on the counter attack from United.
Wrexham will take a lot from that victory as they prepare for their third Championship season, the work rate and ability to capitalise on bread crumb chances are positive signs.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
89 mins: This young United side are trying their best to push the action here, playing fast football, but just cannot seem to fully unlock the Wrexham backline who have defended admirably.
Carrick should be happy with the effort his team have put in, but will need to address the lack of balls in the back of the net.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
83 mins: Lacey once again charging down the wing, passes his man with ease and plays one in that pings back up in to the air. Wheatley, with some mature striker intelligence, blocks Ward from collecting and forces him into a tackle – winning a corner.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
78 mins: Now from the left wing for United, Amass, dummies his man and plays a short ball into Wheatley who gets in front of his man, but can’t find the angle or the power to trouble the keeper
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
75 mins: The United substitute, Lacey, has been responsible for creating a couple of chances in the last few minutes. He is playing on the front foot and looking to taking on his opposite man before playing searching passes into the box for his teammates.
Wrexham have not resigned themselves to parking the bus and are looking for smart counter punches when United over commit to finding the equaliser.
Substitution: Man United 0-1 Wrexham
70 mins: James is replaced after putting in an impressive 70 minute pre-season shift.
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
67 mins: Despite the constant pressure, Wrexham claim the first real chance of the half as Keillor-Dunn is played through on the counter-attack and forces a good reaction save from Vitek.
Yellow card: Man United 0-0 Wrexham
65 mins: A moment of reprieve for Wrexham who has been pushed back into their own third as Kamason arrives late to a challenge on the edge of the box.
No mal intent but worthy of a card nonetheless
Man United 0-1 Wrexham
59 mins: Play has settled down now as both sets of players look to settle into their roles, United’s captain, fletcher is looking to step into Mounts role and is looking for creative ways forward.
Wrexham managing to repel the surging United – who are all playing like they have a point to prove – but is that what is needed?