Every Man Utd Youngster Who Could Play Against Wrexham In Pre-Season Opener

Manchester United face Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, on Saturday 18 July. It will be Michael Carrick's first pre-season in charge of the Red Devils after being officially appointed as the full-time boss in May. 

With Argentina, England, France and Spain in the World Cup semi-finals, United will be without several first-team players who would ordinarily be involved. Players who played in earlier rounds of the competition could also miss the first match, as they are usually handed an extended break to recover before the start of the season. 

This could hand an opportunity to young players who are pushing for a spot in the first-team squad next season. 

So, with the first match of pre-season now less than a week away, here is a preview of the young players who could be involved in United's opener. 

By now, every United fan has heard of Shea Lacey. The young right-winger made four appearances for the first team last season. 

Against Aston Villa, Lacey struggled to get into the game. At Turfmoor, Lacey nearly scored a curling effort from 30 yards out. And against Brighton he was one of the best players on the pitch...until his red card. 

The left-footer was dismissed for throwing the ball to the floor - a second yellow. 

His final appearance of the season came on the final day of the campaign against Brighton once again. This time away from home. Lacey looked bright from the bench, as he did in every cameo, but needed more support to show his true skill. 

Pre-season will be a big opportunity for Lacey if he wants to remain at Old Trafford next term. Clubs have been reported to be interested in a loan before, but it seems unlikely now. 

Despite making his debut earlier in the season - when he partnered Lisandro Martínez in a double pivot - Jack Fletcher has been somewhat outshone by his brother, Tyler, in recent months. 

Tyler Fletcher was handed his debut by Michael Carrick and earned a call-up to Scotland's World Cup squad after Billy Gilmour's injury. 

Jack, however, is no fool. He is a versatile player who can play across the midfield, the frontline, and even at left-back if required. 

Carrick could look to use Jack Fletcher and new signing Andrey Santos in the engine room while he waits for Kobbie Mainoo to return from international duty. 

Harry Amass spent the first half of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship. It was a tough gig, given their financial troubles, but Amass impressed. 

Norwich City came calling for another loan in January, and Amass made the move across the Championship. However, an injury in training kept him out for the rest of the season. 

The former Watford youngster could push for a first-team squad spot next season, given United only have Luke Shaw in that position, with Patrick Dorgu looking more likely to play as a forward next term. 

Diego Leon will be another young left-back fighting for that role. He spent last season with United's U21s while he acclimatised to life in Manchester. 

It remains unknown whether Michael Carrick will bring him to Finland next weekend, but it would not be a surprise if he did. 

Collyer was another to leave Manchester United on loan last season. He played for both West Bromwich Albion and promotion winners Hull City last term, but struggled with injury issues. 

He has been confirmed to be in training ahead of the first match of pre-season and could be another option Carrick considers while United push forward with their midfield rebuild. 

The young centre-back was a regular in the squad towards the end of 2024/25 and the beginning of last season, but a poor match against Grimsby Town saw him drop out of favour. 

Fredricson was last involved in a matchday squad against Bournemouth in March, but will be available for the pre-season opener. 

Radek Vitek spent last season on loan in the Championship with Bristol City, looking like one of the best goalkeepers in the division. 

Despite Senne Lammens' good form, United fans called for the young shotstopper to return to Old Trafford and compete for minutes. 

With Lammens only just exiting the World Cup, Vitek could have a shot in between the sticks for Michael Carrick. However, impending signing Karl Darlow and veteran Tom Heaton could also compete for minutes. 

Elyh Harrison will be another option for Carrick, should he wish so. He spent some of last term with Shrewsbury Town, but was not always a starter for the League Two outfit. 

Both Harrison and Vitek are said to be highly rated within the club. 

Last, but by no means least, is JJ Gabriel. Everyone knows about JJ Gabriel. How can you not? You do not earn a nickname like "Kid Messi" for no reason. 

Gabriel impressed for Darren Fletcher's U18s side last season, including when he was just 14 years old. He earned spots in first-team training sessions under Rúben Amorim and Michael Carrick, too. 

Reports have said he could be involved in pre-season before potentially making his debut in 2026/27, but how certain that is remains unknown. 

He could be joined by several U18s stars, including Noah Ajayi, Daniel Armer, Godwill Kukonki, Albert Mills, Chido Obi and Jim Thwaites, who was named on the bench against Chelsea last season, despite playing 120 minutes in the FA Youth Cup a day earlier. 

There is a lot of young talent Michael Carrick could look to use in pre-season. 

United face Wrexham on 18 July before matches against Rosenborg (24 July), Atletico Madrid (1 August), PSG (8 August), Leeds United (12 August), and AC Milan (15 August). 

They will then face Hull City on Saturday 22 August away from home in the first round of the Premier League.