Manchester United's first pre-season friendly of 2026-27 ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.

Michael Carrick named a recognisable starting line-up in the first half, but it was Sam Smith's 39th-minute goal that settled the match.

Patrick Dorgu saw a chance deflected wide midway through the first half before Smith almost netted an own goal, deflecting a Mason Mount corner against the crossbar.

Joshua Zirkzee then saw two opportunities go begging, including a snapshot that flashed just wide of the post, which had Arthur Okonkwo worried.

But from a throw-in on the left, Lewis O'Brien squared a low cross through Harry Maguire's legs to an unmarked Smith at the far post, and he converted from close range.

Both sides made wholesale changes at the break, and Davis Keillor-Dunn almost doubled Wrexham's lead after latching onto a throughball, but Radek Vitek made the save with his foot.

Ethan Wheatley and Shea Lacey both sent tame efforts at Danny Ward, and though United's youngsters dominated possession in the latter stages, they could not find an equaliser, having a last-second penalty claim waved away.

Full-time in Helsinki

First pre-season minutes in the tank for 22 Reds

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2026

United stall at start of pre-season tour

Despite having a number of players not in the squad due to their World Cup participation, Carrick was able to name a fairly strong starting line-up.

However, it was evident that Wrexham have had a slightly longer pre-season as they showed more cohesion within their team, evidenced by snatching the win.

Zirkzee and Dorgu looked sharp in front of goal, with United fans also getting a first sight of new signing Andrey Santos, whose first involvement was to clear the danger out of his own box after Tom Heaton spilled the ball following a challenge from Smith.

There was little goalmouth action for the fans at the Olympiastadion to get excited about, as there were just eight shots in total (five for United and three for Wrexham), with both teams having two attempts on target apiece.