Andrey Santos Set for Man United Debut as Youngsters Get Their Shot Against Wrexham

Manchester United kicks off its 2026-27 preseason in Helsinki this afternoon, and the biggest story is clear: new signing Andrey Santos is finally about to pull on the red shirt. The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this week in a deal that could reach £50 million, is the only one of United’s three summer additions expected to see the field at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Michael Carrick’s squad for this friendly against Wrexham is a classic preseason mix — heavy on kids, light on stars who either played deep into the World Cup or are still recovering from last season’s knocks.

Who’s In, Who’s Out

The list of absentees is basically a who’s who of United’s first-choice lineup. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford — all still in North America or on extended break. Lisandro Martinez is the obvious exception, having just played in the World Cup final. No chance he’s anywhere near this game.

Manuel Ugarte is out long-term. Benjamin Sesko stayed in Manchester to build fitness after missing the final three games of last season. Karl Darlow is recovering from an end-of-season procedure and also stayed home. Youri Tielemans got extra time off after Belgium’s World Cup run, which makes sense.

Young Guns Get Their Chance

Here’s where it gets interesting for the fans who actually watch these early preseason games. Radek Vitek could start in goal. Jaydan Kamason might get the nod at right-back simply because there’s no senior option available. And Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher — yeah, the Scotland World Cup squad guy — should all see meaningful minutes.

Toby Collyer is back from loan spells at West Brom and Hull and will be trying to force his way into Carrick’s plans. Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo are all in the traveling group and likely to get some run.

One notable omission: wonderkid JJ Gabriel didn’t make the 25-man trip.

Predicted Lineup

Best guess for how Carrick lines them up: Vitek in goal; a back four of Kamason, Maguire, Heaven, and Shaw; a midfield pivot of Santos and Mount; with Mbeumo, Tyler Fletcher, and Lacey supporting Zirkzee up top.

It’s not the squad that’ll start against Liverpool on opening day, but for anyone curious about the next wave at Old Trafford, this afternoon is a decent preview. Santos in particular will be under a microscope. Chelsea let him go. United paid real money. Now we see what they bought.