Manchester United are set to face Wrexham today in Helsinki, kicking off their pre-season friendly schedule in Scandinavia. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has expressed his anticipation for the match, describing it as a “great test” for his team.
“To play Manchester United at the Olympic Stadium is very special and we’re looking forward to it,” Parkinson stated. He also noted that it is an important game for both clubs, with United having many first-team players available despite some returning late.
A Historic Encounter Renewed
The fixture revives a historic encounter between the two clubs from over 25 years ago, when Manchester United faced Wrexham in the second round of the Cup Winners Cup. This was on their way to winning their first European trophy under Alex Ferguson, lifting the Cup Winners Cup in 1991.
Two goals from Wrexham-born Mark Hughes against his former club Barcelona secured a famous 2-1 win for United in Rotterdam during the final. In the second round of that competition, United first met then Fourth Division Wrexham, who regularly qualified for the Cup Winners Cup via the Welsh Cup.
The first leg in October 1990 saw United secure a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, with goals from Brian McClair, a Steve Bruce penalty, and Gary Pallister. The second leg at the Racecourse ended 2-0 to United against Brian Flynn’s side, with Bruce scoring again after Mark Robins had opened the scoring.
Manchester United completed a 5-0 aggregate victory in that tie. Wrexham are no longer eligible to represent Wales in Europe, marking a change since their previous European appearances.
United’s European Pre-Season Tour
Manchester United have opted to spend pre-season in Europe this summer, having declined a lucrative offer to go to Thailand. Their schedule includes a series of friendlies in Scandinavia, starting with Wrexham in Helsinki today.
Following this match, the squad will spend just under a week in Maynooth in the Republic of Ireland. Their pre-season preparations will conclude against an AC Milan side, now coached by Ruben Amorim, in the Polish city of Wroclaw on 15 August.
Michael Carrick’s squad arrived at their Helsinki hotel last night, where quite a few interested bystanders and guests were present. Guests at their hotel, taking advantage of a sunny and warm evening to eat outside, were able to continue with their meal.
Carrick and Harry Maguire posed for selfies upon arrival, as did Bryan Mbeumo, who was the last off the bus. United have brought a 25-man squad with them for the tour. The only World Cup player included in the squad is Tyler Fletcher, who was a late call-up to the Scotland squad but did not get onto the pitch.
Wrexham’s Challenging Schedule Continues
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson reiterated that playing Manchester United at the Olympic Stadium is a “great test” for his side. He mentioned that United have players returning late, but also have many first-team players available for the game.
Parkinson highlighted the importance of “out-of-possession stuff” against better-quality teams, stating, “As we’ve always done, we’re not just going to these games to stop the opposition.” He noted that Wrexham looked to these games as a test in other divisions, and this will be no different.
The Wrexham manager has made some interesting calls for the match, going with a relatively strong side from the outset. Arthur Okonkwo starts the first-half in goal for Wrexham.
After facing United in Helsinki, Wrexham are set to travel to the United States next week for further pre-season games. Their upcoming fixtures across the Atlantic include matches against Leeds United, Liverpool, and Sunderland.