New signing included in 25-man squad for opening pre-season encounter
Andrey Santos is expected to make his debut for Manchester United during Saturday’s pre-season friendly clash against Wrexham.
Manchester United have started their preparations for the 2026-27 season in Helsinki, Finland, with head coach Michael Carrick selecting a 25-player squad for the trip.
Santos, who finalised a transfer worth up to £50 million from Chelsea earlier this week, is the only one among United’s three summer recruits likely to feature at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow remains in Manchester as he continues his recovery from a procedure undergone at the end of last season. Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans has been given an extended break following his participation with Belgium in the World Cup.
Most of United’s international representatives in North America will miss this first pre-season outing, explaining the absences of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, and World Cup 2026 finalist Lisandro Martinez.
Manuel Ugarte continues to be sidelined with a long-term injury, while Benjamin Sesko has stayed back in Manchester to regain full fitness after missing the last three matches of the previous campaign.
Carrick’s travelling party blends youth and experience, with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo all expected to get valuable minutes on the pitch.
Radek Vitek is likely to start in goal, and young right-back Jaydan Kamason might be handed an opportunity due to the absence of any senior options in that position.
Jaydan Kamason has a chance to impress in defence.
Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher — who was part of Scotland’s World Cup squad — will all be eager to make an impression, as will Toby Collyer, returning from loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City last term.
Highly rated youngster JJ Gabriel has not been included in the travelling squad.
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