Man Utd 0-1 Wrexham: Andrey Santos makes Red Devils debut in opening pre-season loss in Helsinki | Football News
Andrey Santos made his Manchester United debut as Michel Carrick’s side lost 1-0 to Wrexham in their opening pre-season fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.
The Brazil midfielder played the first 45 minutes of the game following his recent £50m transfer from Chelsea, although had little chance to impress as United’s new permanent head coach changed every player with his side trailing at the break.
Carrick brought on United’s Academy players as he sought a way back into the contest in the second half, captained by Tyler Fletcher, but without success as Wrexham held on for the win secured thanks to Sam Smith’s far-post tap in six minutes before half-time.
Andrey Santos made his United debut in Helsinki
And in truth, it could have been more had United backup goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who caught the eye while out on loan with Bristol City last season, not made an excellent stop to deny Davis Keillor-Dunn midway through the second period.
The key moments from the Olympic Stadium
18: WHAT A CHALLENGE! Heaven with a wonderfully well-timed tackle in the box on Cadamarteri – former Everton striker Danny’s son – to win back possession and boy did the youngster need to get that right.
25: SHOT! Some neat build-up play by United in and around the Wrexham box, before Zirkzee flashes a fierce drive inches past the left-hand post from the edge of the box.
36: BAR! Mount’s inswinging corner is inadvertently headed against his own bar by Smith under pressure by Yoro at the near post.
39: GOAL! Wow, out of nothing and against the run of play, Wrexham lead. The Championship side take a throw down their left as Thomason links up with O’Brien, whose low ball across the six-yard box somehow makes its way through Maguire’s legs to the unmarked Smith, who had a simple tap in at the far post.
66: SAVE! Keillor-Dunn is played clean through on goal by a wonderful defence-splitting pass, but backup ‘keeper Vitek does well to stand up tall and make an important block with his legs.
Bryan Mbeumo (left) enjoyed a 45-min runout for Man Utd in Helsinki
Man Utd’s preseason fixtures
July 24: Man Utd vs Rosenborg – Trondheim, 5pm August 1: Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid – Stockholm, 2pm August 8: Man Utd vs PSG – Gothenburg, 4pm August 12: Man Utd vs Leeds – Dublin, 7.30pm August 15: Man Utd vs AC Milan – Wroclaw, 3.45pm
