Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed Andrey Santos will start against Wrexham as he prioritises fitness and match rhythm in the club’s opening pre-season friendly.
The £48m summer signing has been placed straight into an experienced first-half side at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium.
United returned to training around 10 days ago, leaving Carrick keen to manage expectations during their first match since May. The head coach wants his players to rebuild relationships and sharpen their understanding before results become the main focus.
Speaking in his official pre-match interview, Carrick said Santos had settled quickly and described the Brazil midfielder as a “fantastic character”.
Carrick explains Man Utd plan for Wrexham
Carrick intends to use an experienced team during the first half before handing opportunities to United’s academy players after the interval.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee are among the senior players available. Shea Lacey, Chido Obi and Ethan Wheatley could then receive minutes as Carrick spreads the workload across his squad.
Santos is the only new arrival involved after completing his move from Chelsea earlier this week. Youri Tielemans remains away following Belgium’s World Cup campaign, while Karl Darlow is completing his recovery from a minor procedure.
Read Man Utd previously detailed the full 25-man travelling squad selected for the trip to Finland.
Carrick also praised the support United have received since arriving in Helsinki. However, his immediate priority remains improving fitness levels and helping his players rediscover their rhythm before the competitive campaign begins.
