Wrexham AFC is constantly growing popularity in America due to its ties to Hollywood and the success of the “Welcome to Wrexham” TV series, is all set for an exciting friendly clash against Premier League giants Manchester United during their whistle-stop tour of the United States. The match will take place in San Diego on Tuesday, July 25.
Despite Manchester United’s plans to field a much-changed and youthful squad for the pre-season friendly, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has warned his players to be prepared for a significant challenge. He acknowledged that even though it may not be their main team, Manchester United’s peripheral players are still outstanding and include internationals. Parkinson emphasised that his team will face a formidable opposition and will have to be disciplined and work hard out of possession.
“Manchester United will dominate possession as they are a fantastic team. Even if they won’t be playing their main team, their periphery players are outstanding and are internationals. It will be a great exercise for us in working out of possession and being disciplined. We’re playing against a good team and need to be at our best. I think the balance for us is getting minutes in as many of the players as possible,” said Parkinson in an interview with the club’s website.
The friendly match against Manchester United comes as part of Wrexham’s tour of the US following their promotion to the Football League last season. Fans have shown tremendous support, drawn by the hands-on approach of co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, as well as the dedication of the team’s passionate fanbase.
Wrexham experienced mixed results in their US tour, suffering a 5-0 defeat against Chelsea but bouncing back with a historic 4-0 victory against LA Galaxy’s second-string team, with talisman Paul Mullin among the goal-scorers.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will select a 31-man squad for the tour, with young prospects like Charlie McNeill and Alvaro Fernandez expected to feature, along with the possibility of veteran defender Jonny Evans making an appearance.
Following the clash with Wrexham, Manchester United will continue their tour with matches against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Lens, and Athletic Club, before their season opener against Wolves on August 14.
In the case of the Red Dragons, they will follow up the game against the three-time European champions with what will likely be an emotional encounter versus Philadelphia Union II in co-owner McElhenney’s home city. They will face MK Dons in their first League Two fixture on August 5.
