Wrexham continued an impressive pre-season form, managing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Helsinki. Sam Smith scored the only goal of the match just before half time.
While pre-season form and results doesn’t mean everything, there is a lot to be optimistic about for Phil Parkinson as Wrexham embark on a pre-season tour in the US.
Below are five key takeaway from the United match:
1. Wrexham’s defensive structure is already taking shape
Parkinson praised the team for their organization in his post-match interview, and that wasn’t hard to see.
There were very few chances created by United, but Wrexham defended well. Their transition from defense to midfield seemed to be very much improved, and their off-the-ball energy has been a real asset in the first two games.
They have now managed two clean sheets in two pre-season matches.
2. Sam Smith is settling in quickly
Scoring against your former club is always special, and Smith took his chance superbly.
The striker was a constant nuisance for United’s defenders, using his strength and intelligent movement to stretch the back line before calmly finishing the move that ultimately decided the contest.
Parkinson was equally impressed with Smith’s overall display, praising both his physicality and willingness to run in behind.
3. Wrexham showed they can control games
It wasn’t so much the victory, but rather the way that Wrexham went about playing the game that made it so great. While most managers would want their side to hang back and absorb pressure, Parkinson was looking for his team to be bold and positive when possession came thier way.
“We weren’t coming here just to defend,” the manager said after the final whistle.
Against a strong Manchester United side in the opening half, Wrexham looked composed and brave, giving another indication of the progress being made ahead of the Championship campaign.
4. Squad depth is beginning to show
Even with some key players not being there, Wrexham performed very well.
Aaron James was coming back from his injuries, contributing valuable minutes in a position he isn’t used to playing, and Lewis O’Brien continued to excel by delivering the through ball that helped Smith score the winning goal.
It is important to mention that Josh Windass, Liberato Cacace, Seb Revan, Max Cleworth, Ryan Hardie, and Elliot Lee were all unavailable but Parkinson still had enough talent to bring into the side.
5. Momentum heads to the United States
The victory boosts the morale further as Wrexham prepares to face Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland teams during their tour to America.
Those fixtures will be harder, but according to Parkinson, the players have been performing well in the past two weeks of training sessions and two matches.
With such energy and teamwork displayed in Helsinki, Wrexham is bound to start their American tour confidently as they prepare to play in the Championship league.
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