Andrey Santos is about to pull on a Manchester United shirt for the first time. The Brazilian midfielder, who just completed a transfer from Chelsea that could reach £50 million, is in the starting lineup for United’s preseason opener against Wrexham in Helsinki this afternoon.
Michael Carrick brought a 25-man squad to Finland for the first friendly of the 2026-27 campaign. Santos is the only one of United’s three summer signings who made the trip. The other two are still being integrated or haven’t reported yet.
Karl Darlow stayed back in Manchester. He’s recovering from a procedure he had late last season and is close to being fully fit but not quite there. Youri Tielemans got extended time off after his run with Belgium at the World Cup, so he’s not in Finland either.
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, and Lisandro Martinez are all still in North America after the World Cup. Martinez played in the final, so he’s definitely earned a break.
Carrick mixing youth with veterans
Carrick is using this game to give minutes to a blend of experienced guys and younger players who need the run. Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo all start. That’s a solid core for a preseason friendly, even if it’s not the full-strength XI fans will see in a month.
Manuel Ugarte is still out long-term with an injury, so no surprise there. Benjamin Sesko didn’t travel either. He’s working toward full fitness after missing the last three games of the 2025-26 season. The team hasn’t given a firm timeline on his return.
Young guns waiting in the wings
There’s a bunch of academy talent on the bench hoping to make an impression. Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher are all there. Fletcher, by the way, was actually in Scotland’s World Cup squad this summer. Not bad for a kid who’s still basically a teenager.
Toby Collyer is also available after spending last season on loan at West Brom and Hull. He got two loans in one year, which is a lot of moving around, but he’ll be eager to show Carrick he can hang at this level.
One notable absence from the traveling squad is JJ Gabriel, the young prospect who’s been getting buzz around the club. He didn’t make the cut for Helsinki, but there’s plenty of time for him later in the preseason.
Kickoff is set for later today at Helsinki Olympic Stadium. For Santos, this is the first real chance to show United fans why they paid Chelsea £50 million for a guy who never really broke through there. Preseason friendlies don’t mean much in the standings, but first impressions still count.
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