Squad Shocker: Man United vs. Wrexham Clash Reveals Key Absences and Inclusions

Manchester United is preparing for its pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki, with new signing Andrey Santos set to make his potential debut. Santos, a 22-year-old midfielder, became Michael Carrick's first permanent acquisition, joining from Chelsea in a deal potentially worth up to £50 million ($67.2m). After a week of training at Carrington, the Brazilian has been included in a 25-man squad for the Wrexham match, a group that skillfully blends youth with experience.

Several senior players, including fellow new midfielder Youri Tielemans, are currently absent as they are still recuperating after participating in the World Cup. Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko has also not traveled, as he continues to work towards full fitness following a shin injury that sidelined him for the final three games of the last season. Other first-team regulars in the traveling squad include Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee. Young talents like Harry Amass and Shea Lacey are also part of the group, along with Jaydan Kamason, who is seeking an opportunity at right-back, and midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, Jim Thwaites, Tyler Fletcher, and Jack Fletcher.

Sesko's absence might pave the way for young forwards Chidi Obi and Ethan Wheatley to get some valuable playing time, though JJ Gabriel is not included in the squad. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who recently joined on a free transfer from Leeds, has not traveled. Instead, veteran Tom Heaton will be joined by Radek Vitek and Dermot Mee in the goalkeeping lineup.

Meanwhile, Wrexham is also gearing up for their pre-season schedule. They are due to travel to the United States next week for a series of high-profile friendlies against teams such as Leeds, Liverpool, and Sunderland. For their match against Manchester United in Finland, Wrexham has made the journey without Josh Windass and Max Cleworth.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson provided an update on his team's fitness, stating, "We're where we need to be in terms of fitness." He acknowledged that, like most clubs, they have a few players who returned later and are dealing with "one or two niggly things which have carried over from last season." Parkinson expressed optimism, adding, "However, we're not overly concerned with those and the lads are in a good place. There'll be a few who aren't quite ready for the game at the weekend and will be training here instead." Specifically, Josh Windass has been running this week to address a slight calf problem, and Parkinson emphasized there's no need to rush him. Max Cleworth has been managing an ongoing Achilles problem, with the club hoping that the off-season and a slow build-up will benefit his recovery.