By
Arinze Izik
Manchester United slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly, with new signing Andrey Santos getting his first minutes in red.
The Brazilian midfielder, signed from Chelsea for ยฃ50m, started and played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced along with the rest of the initial XI at half-time.
Championship side Wrexham took the lead in the 39th minute through Sam Smith. The ball slipped past Harry Maguire and reached Smith unmarked at the back post, where he tapped in from close range.
United pushed after the break with a team of academy players led by captain Tyler Fletcher, but they couldnโt find a leveller.
Wrexham almost doubled their lead when Davis Keillor-Dunn was played through, but reserve keeper Radek Vitek made a strong save with his legs to deny him. Vitek, who impressed on loan at Bristol City last season, was one of Unitedโs bright spots.
At the other end, Joshua Zirkzee drilled a shot from outside the box that drifted just wide after some neat build-up. Mason Mount also came close when his inswinging corner was flicked onto the bar by Smith under pressure from Leny Yoro.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, Michael Carrick said the main goal was to get through the match unscathed.
“It was about getting through today to be honest and looking for some positives, looking for some good things, knowing that it wasn’t going to be perfect and that’s only natural for the first one,” Carrick said.
“The most important thing for us is that everyone came through it in good shape and no injuries, so we can move on and take the next step going into the next game next week.
“Mason did some really good things and connected really well. You could see some positives there. Top end of the pitch, those sharp little movements will come with more weeks of training.
“I thought there were good signs. Andrey is getting into a rhythm, getting a feeling of it again. So it was good to see him out on the pitch.
“The squad will get stronger and stronger as we get closer to the season. We’ve got a good group here. We’re really looking forward to the games coming up, and we’ll keep improving and pushing towards the start of the season.”
United will use the coming friendlies to build fitness ahead of the new campaign, with more senior players expected to feature in the next match.
