Andrey Santos, Michael Carrick’s first permanent signing from Chelsea, has been included in Manchester United’s 25-man travelling squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki and could make his debut. The 22-year-old arrives after a week at Carrington and his presence adds creative midfield depth amid several senior absences, offering an early test of United’s summer recruitment and squad balance.
Andrey Santos could debut for Manchester United in Helsinki
Andrey Santos was named in Manchester United’s travelling squad for the pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki, giving him a chance for an immediate run-out after joining from Chelsea. The 22-year-old is Michael Carrick’s first permanent signing and a deal reportedly worth up to £50m, arriving after training all week at Carrington. His inclusion underscores United’s intent to integrate new arrivals quickly during pre-season.
Why Santos’ inclusion matters
Santos brings fresh creativity and ball progression to a midfield that has been recalibrated this summer. For Carrick, the early exposure allows assessment of Santos in match conditions and reveals how quickly he can adapt to United’s tempo and tactical demands. Given the fee and profile, expectations will be high; a strong showing in Helsinki would ease pressure and justify early selection.
Squad makeup: experience, youth and notable absences
United have named a 25-man group that mixes first-team regulars and promising youngsters. Senior names present include Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee. Young talents Harry Amass and Shea Lacey travel alongside academy prospects Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, Jim Thwaites, Tyler Fletcher and Jack Fletcher.
Injury updates and players missing the trip
Benjamin Sesko did not travel as he continues his recovery from a shin injury sustained late last season. Several senior players, including some who had extended international commitments, are still absent as the club manages workloads ahead of the campaign. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, newly signed on a free transfer, also did not make the trip; Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek and Dermot Mee are the goalkeeping options in Finland.
Opportunities for fringe players and youngsters
Sesko’s absence creates space for young forwards Chidi Obi and Ethan Wheatley to stake a claim in a match environment. Right-back prospect Jaydan Kamason and midfielders from the academy will see this as a platform to press for involvement once the season begins. Selection decisions in Helsinki will indicate how Carrick plans to rotate and blend youth with experience through pre-season.
Manager perspective and Wrexham context
Wrexham travel to Helsinki as part of their preparation ahead of a U.S. tour and have their own injury considerations, with Josh Windass and Max Cleworth missing this trip. Manager Phil Parkinson has assessed his squad’s fitness as broadly positive, noting a few players managing niggles and the value of a measured build-up. The friendly offers both clubs a low-stakes environment to test systems, gauge conditioning and provide minutes to those targeting competitive minutes.
What this means next
A competitive outing for Santos would accelerate his assimilation and give Carrick tangible data on midfield balance before the season proper. For the youngsters, Helsinki is not just a tour stop but a real audition; performances here could shape pre-season trajectories and squad lists for the opening fixtures.
How Carrick manages minutes and integrates new arrivals over the coming weeks will be an early indicator of Manchester United’s summer strategy translating into on-field cohesion.
Espn United Kingdom
