New recruit Andrey Santos is poised to make his debut for Manchester United in this afternoon’s pre-season friendly encounter against Wrexham.

The Red Devils have begun their preparations for the 2026–27 campaign in Helsinki, Finland, where head coach Michael Carrick has announced a 25-man travelling squad for the fixture.

Santos, who completed his move from Chelsea earlier this week in a deal worth up to £50 million, is the only one among United’s three summer signings expected to feature at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow remains in Manchester as he continues the final stages of his recovery following a procedure at the end of last season, while midfielder Youri Tielemans has been granted an extended break after representing Belgium at the World Cup.

Most of United’s players involved in North American duties will not participate in this opening pre-season match, accounting for the absences of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and World Cup 2026 finalist Lisandro Martinez.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte continues to be sidelined with a long-term injury, and striker Benjamin Sesko has stayed back in Manchester to regain full fitness after missing the final three matches of the previous season.

Carrick’s squad features a blend of youth and experience, meaning that players such as Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo are all likely to get minutes on the pitch.

Radek Vitek is expected to start between the posts, while young defender Jaydan Kamason could benefit from the unavailability of senior right-backs to earn a place in the starting defence.

Youngsters Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher — who was part of Scotland’s World Cup squad — will all look to impress, as will Toby Collyer following his loan spells with West Brom and Hull City last season.

Wonderkid JJ Gabriel, however, has not been included in the travelling contingent.

Predicted Manchester United XI: Vitek; Kamason, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Mbeumo, T. Fletcher, Lacey; Zirkzee.