Wrexham boss Parkinson relishing Man Utd 'test'
· Yahoo Sports
Manager Phil Parkinson says Manchester United will be a "great test" for Wrexham in their latest pre-season friendly.
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Wrexham take on the Premier League side in Helsinki on Saturday, although United boss Michael Carrick will be without several of his World Cup players.
In the summer of 2023, Parkinson's then League Two-bound side beat a youthful Red Devils team 3-1 in a friendly in San Diego.
"For Man United, it's an important game for them as it is for us," Parkinson said.
"They've got players who will be coming back in late, but they've still got a lot of first team players who will be available for the game as well.
"So, a great test for us, it really is.
"As always, when we were in the other divisions we looked to these games as a test and this will be absolutely no different.
"The out-of-possession stuff becomes really important against the better quality teams.
"But as we've always done, we're not just going to these games to stop the opposition."
After facing United at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Wrexham travel to the United States next week for games against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland.
Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, have faced a number of high profile sides in pre-season during recent seasons.
"If you look over the last few pre-seasons, particularly the American trips, we've had some really high profile games," Parkinson added.
"The main thing for both teams is the game has got the right intensity level, and there's a competitive element to it.
"Obviously no one wants to pick up any injuries at any stage, but particularly at this stage in pre-season.
"But if you look back over those games – Chelsea, Bournemouth, Man Utd when we played in San Diego - they've all been decent games,
"We're hoping this will be the same and I'm sure it will be.
"For our lads, it's just focusing on what we need to do in this game and make sure that we come away from it with the preparations, taking that next step forward before we get on the plane to America."
Defenders Dom Hyam and Liberato Cacace have returned for pre-season following World Cup duty with the respective nations.
Cacace started in all three of New Zealand's group games while Hyam did not feature in any of Scotland's three games.
"I spoke to Libby and Dom while they were both away, I was keeping in touch with them," Parkinson added.
"Of course, the results were disappointing, but Scotland were in a really tough group and New Zealand are always going to be up against it to a certain degree.
"But an amazing experience to be part of that tournament."