Michael Carrick’s tenure gets underway with first Manchester United preseason match
By Luke Oluoch, July 18, 2026Manchester United will commence their 2026/27 pre-season campaign this Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a clash against Championship side Wrexham AFC.
The Red Devils are in Helsinki, Finland, and are set to take on the high-riding Championship outfit from North Wales, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the top-flight league last season.
The encounter will provide a first look at Michael Carrick’s squad following an excellent end to last term, where he led the club to a third-place finish after steering them through the second half of the campaign following Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
The Englishman and club legend was duly rewarded with the permanent head coach role, signing a two-year contract towards the end of the 2025/26 season to confirm his extended stay.
Team News
New signing Andrey Santos is in line to make his maiden appearance in the red shirt following his arrival from Chelsea. However, new goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Youri Tielemans will not be part of the team.
Darlow did not travel with the squad, while the Belgian remains on holiday following his country’s FIFA World Cup elimination in the round of 16 against Spain.
First-team regulars such as Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, and Joshua Zirkzee are all in Finland and in contention to play. Benjamin Sesko has, however, remained behind in England to work on his fitness, as confirmed by the club.
United have also confirmed that a number of academy youngsters are included in the 25-man squad available to Carrick after returning from their respective loan spells.
The group includes Radek Vitek, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, Ethan Wheatley, and Ethan Williams.
Kick-off time and where to watch
The 6:00 PM kick-off in Helsinki, Finland, will be broadcast live on the club’s official channel, MUTV.