Andrey Santos Set for Manchester United Debut in Helsinki Friendly
Andrey Santos is in line for his first taste of life in Manchester United red on Saturday, after being named in the travelling squad for the pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, Michael Carrick’s first permanent signing, only arrived from Chelsea on Monday in a deal that could rise to £50 million. He has barely had time to unpack, yet a week’s work at Carrington has been enough to earn him a place on the plane and a potential early audition in front of United’s support.
Carrick’s first signing steps into the light
Carrick has taken a 25-man group to Finland, a blend of established names and ambitious academy products, as United juggle pre-season minutes with the late return of several senior players who went deep into the World Cup. New midfielder Youri Tielemans is among those still missing after summer exertions.
The squad list underlines the changing face of United’s rebuild. Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee are all involved, offering a strong core of first‑team regulars. Around them, the club’s next wave gathers: highly rated youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey travel, eager for any scrap of playing time.
On the right flank of defence, Jaydan Kamason will sense an opening. In midfield, Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore and Jim Thwaites join up, along with Tyler and Jack Fletcher, as Carrick weighs his options and looks at different combinations around Santos.
Sesko stays home, door opens for youth
One notable absentee is Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenia striker has remained behind as he continues to build fitness after the shin injury that ruled him out of the final three matches of last season. His omission strips United of a senior focal point up front.
That could be a blessing for the academy forwards. With Sesko unavailable, the stage may fall to young attackers Chidi Obi and Ethan Wheatley to carry the threat in Helsinki. JJ Gabriel, however, has not been included.
In goal, another new face will have to wait. Karl Darlow, signed this week on a free transfer from Leeds, has not travelled. Veteran Tom Heaton is expected to marshal things from the back, supported by Radek Vitek and Dermot Mee.
Wrexham tune up before U.S. tour
For Wrexham, the trip to Finland is a key stop on their own pre-season journey before they head to the United States for a string of high-profile friendlies against Leeds, Liverpool and Sunderland.
Phil Parkinson has brought a competitive group but will be without Josh Windass and Max Cleworth. Both stay at home to continue their recovery from lingering issues carried over from last season.
“We're where we need to be in terms of fitness,” Parkinson said. “We've got a few lads, like most clubs, who have come back in later, with one or two niggly things which have carried over from last season.
“However, we're not overly concerned with those and the lads are in a good place. There'll be a few who aren't quite ready for the game at the weekend and will be training here instead.
“Josh has been running this week. He's had a slight problem with his calf, but he's in great shape and there's no need to rush him too much. Max had a problem with his Achilles, which has been an ongoing problem. But we feel this off-season, and this slow build-up for him now, will do him good.”
For United, though, the spotlight in Helsinki will fall on a new No. 6 with a £50m price tag and a manager eager to reshape his midfield. Pre-season or not, Andrey Santos’ first steps in United colours will be watched very closely.
