Man Utd Eyes Blockbuster Pre-Season Clash Against Hollywood-Owned Wrexham
Manchester United are reportedly engaged in talks with Wrexham regarding another exhibition match between the clubs during the upcoming summer period.
The Old Trafford outfit fielded a young squad at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium for an exhibition against Phil Parkinson's team, with co-owner Rob McElhenney among the spectators in attendance while business partner Ryan Reynolds was unavailable due to other obligations.
Wrexham secured an impressive 3–1 victory in an eventful exhibition that was marred by a serious injury to beloved forward Paul Mullin, who sustained a punctured lung and fractured ribs after a harsh tackle from young keeper Nathan Bishop, who departed United shortly thereafter.
Per the Daily Mail, United have expressed interest in organizing another exhibition encounter next summer and are currently exploring arrangements for a match with the Championship club.
Though the initial encounter occurred in the United States, this upcoming exhibition is anticipated to be part of two matches scheduled during the Red Devils' planned Scandinavian tour.
World Cup Complicating Man Utd's Pre-Season Plans
Though European clubs have consistently pursued summer tours across America in recent seasons, 2026 is anticipated to differ following the World Cup's conclusion.
Club executives are considering whether the World Cup will boost appetite for matches that summer or if supporters will be fatigued by the time United arrives for exhibitions. Ticket revenue remains central to the decision-making process, and diminished interest will likely prompt an alternative strategy, considering the substantial logistics involved in a U.S. tour.
Wrexham will anticipate using the proposed exhibition as a commemoration following their inaugural Championship campaign.
The Welsh side were considered promotion contenders during their time in lower leagues but have encountered genuine challenges in the second division, which is notoriously difficult to exit and typically remains competitive until the final matches.
Currently, when this potential exhibition news emerged, Wrexham occupy 14th position in the Championship table. They remain just four points from playoff contention and 10 points clear of relegation danger. Fresh backing from Apollo Sports Capital has strengthened the club's ambitious plans to eventually join United in the Premier League.