Andrey Santos made his Manchester United debut in a match against Wrexham in a resounding defeat

Manchester United's pre-season campaign kicked off in the Finnish capital in front of 20,000 spectators. Despite a strong starting line-up fielded by Michael Carrick, the Red Devils were unable to overcome Welsh side Wrexham, conceding a solitary goal late in the first half. The main focus was on Andrii Santos, the Mancunians' first summer signing. The 22-year-old midfielder, who is from Chelsea, has taken a place in midfield alongside Mason Mount. Even before the start of the game, the team coach did not hide his satisfaction with the newcomer: "Andrei has settled in very well, he's a fantastic character. He's adapted so quickly and is happy to be here, it's obvious to the naked eye," Carrick said. Santos immediately joined the game: In the first seconds, he insured goalkeeper Tom Guiton, knocking the ball out of pressure. Despite a hard tackle on Lewis O'Brien in the 8th minute, the Brazilian quickly recovered and responded with a brilliant sliding tackle against the same opponent. He showed excellent passing range throughout the half and won a number of crucial tackles in a tight game. United were without players who took part in this year's World Cup, including Youri Tielemans and Benjamin Sesko. However, the first sharp moment remained behind them: in the 24th minute, Joshua Zirkze shot near the post. The match could have opened with a curious own goal - in the 36th minute, Wrexham player Sam Smith, defending at a corner, hit his own crossbar with his head. However, within a few minutes he was fully rehabilitated. Lewis O'Brien's cross went through the legs of Harry Maguire and Smith flicked the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Wrexham. Phil Parkinson's team, who had already warmed up against Poland's Wisla last weekend, looked sharper overall. Bailly Cadamarteri repeatedly caused problems for the Mancunian defence. In the break, Michael Carrick completely updated the team, replacing 11 players and letting the students of the club's academy onto the field. They were to be given a serious test against a Wrexham base that now features experienced footballers such as Conor Coady and Kieffer Moore. United's youngsters dominated possession but had serious problems creating chances in the slow pace of the game. Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek saved the team after a dangerous shot by Davies Keillor-Dunn. Harry Amassa's cross was responded to by Ethan Whitley in the 78th minute, but goalkeeper Dan Ward parried the ball and neutralized Shea Lacey's follow-up finish. In the first minute of added time, Dan Gore fell in the penalty area, but the referee rejected the team's penalty appeals.