Phil Parkinson says Manchester United will be a “great test” for Wrexham in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Helsinki – but United boss Michael Carrick must balance that test against an unresolved Marcus Rashford situation and a squad hit hard by World Cup absences.
Parkinson’s side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, beat a youthful United 3-1 in San Diego in 2023. This time, Carrick will be without several of his World Cup players. United have clocked more than 2,500 World Cup minutes, the third-highest total among Premier League clubs, and Manuel Ugarte had his tournament ended early after picking up a knee problem with Uruguay.
“Phil Parkinson says Man Utd friendly is a 'great test' as Carrick weighs up Rashford's future amid World Cup absentees.”
“For Man United, it’s an important game for them as it is for us,” Parkinson said. “They’ve got players who will be coming back in late, but they’ve still got a lot of first team players who will be available for the game as well. So, a great test for us, it really is.”
Carrick’s selection decisions are further complicated by the future of Marcus Rashford. The 28-year-old, who joined United aged seven, fell out with former boss Ruben Amorim, then spent a season on loan at Barcelona, assisting them in securing the La Liga title. Barcelona opted against activating the buyout clause, and United are reportedly looking to sell him.
Former United striker Dwight Yorke has urged Carrick to bring Rashford back. “Now I know not everyone will agree but if I was Carrick, the first person I would be going and seeing to have a conversation is Marcus Rashford,” Yorke told sports betting website BOYLE Sports. “You’re the manager. You figure it out with him. … Bringing Marcus Rashford back into the fold is a gamble but it’s a case of risk and reward.”
Parkinson, whose side also face Leeds, Liverpool and Sunderland in the US next week, is focused on the immediate test. “The out-of-possession stuff becomes really important against the better quality teams,” he said. “But as we’ve always done, we’re not just going to these games to stop the opposition.”
For Carrick, the question is whether to take Yorke’s advice – or let Rashford remain in the cold.
