Manchester United’s pre-season tour began on a balmy evening in Helsinki on Saturday. The eyes of the football world may be on Sunday’s World Cup final, but there were new things to keep an eye on as Michael Carrick and his coaching staff began their preparations for the 2026-27 season.The side tried their best to shake off the summer cobwebs in this friendly against Championship side Wrexham, but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat. New signing Andrey Santos was the game’s standout player, keeping things neat in midfield while team-mates dealt with a little rustiness.Fifty-five days had passed since United’s 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion to close the 2025-26 season. In front of 20,069 people in Finland, Carrick named the following starting line-up:The World Cup meant the squad travelled without many of Carrick’s most trusted players, yet his team still played in familiar patterns. This is a side that can be dangerous when counter-attacking, but nervy when trying to defend against them.Joshua Zirkzee continues to be an imperfect fit at centre-forward, flashing a shot outside of Arthur Okonkwo’s post early on but largely lacking the aggression and decisive movement needed from a No 9. Luke Shaw broke into open space down the left just past the half-hour mark and slung in a cross intended for his striker, but Zirkzee was several steps behind the penalty spot when the ball was delivered, unable to attack it when he was needed most.Harry Maguire will inevitably be a threat from set pieces this season, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will jostle for playing time behind him. In Finland, it was Heaven who was the brighter performer, caught once when trying to pass the ball out from the back before quickly recovering to make a crunching tackle inside the penalty area. He is brave with the ball and can be bruising without it. Carrick has multiple options to pair with Lisandro Martinez when he returns from World Cup duty, and there are others who can step in if the Argentina international needs rest.