Wrexham vs Manchester United.
Wrexham will play Manchester United once again this weekend when the two sides meet in Helsinki in a tie which has already given us records and classic cup matches over a period of more than 90 years.
Whilst this match is likely to prove another useful pre-season challenge for Phil Parkinson’s side, games involving Wrexham and Manchester United have often proven to be hugely popular occasions, both at the Racecourse Ground and Old Trafford.
The first really legendary match took place on January 26th, 1957 in the fourth round of the FA Cup, when tens of thousands of fans made their way into the Racecourse Ground.
Demand for tickets was unbelievable. More than 35,000 tickets were sold and thousands of people queued up down the length of Mold Road before more than 4,000 of the waiting fans went home disappointed after being denied entry.
Manchester United, led by Matt Busby and featuring around 8,500 travelling fans, ran out 5-0 winners, but the game remains one of the most special days in the history of the Racecourse Ground.
Manchester United win twice at Old Trafford
The clubs faced each other again in the second round of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1990. Manchester United won the tie 3-0 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and Brian McClair, following up the victory with a 2-0 win in the return leg at the Racecourse.
Prior to that encounter, in September 1969, Manchester United had recorded a 2-0 victory over Wrexham in the League Cup at Old Trafford. Goals from George Best and Brian Kidd secured the victory, whilst Wrexham legend Arfon Griffiths nearly pulled one back.
Most recent competitive meeting
The most recent competitive meeting took place between the two sides in the FA Cup fourth round in January 1995.
Kieron Durkan gave Wrexham a shock lead against all expectations in a game watched by more than 6,700 travelling supporters at Old Trafford. Two goals from Denis Irwin, plus strikes from Ryan Giggs and Brian McClair saw Manchester United win 5-2, whilst Tony Humes even managed to score an own goal for his former club. Jon Cross scored a consolation for Wrexham late in the game.
In spite of the fact that the team was eliminated from the competition, the encouragement by the traveling supporters together with the chance to play at one of the biggest arenas in England made the day a special one for the players and fans alike.
More than a contest
The connection between the two teams has gone beyond cup competitions.
Manchester United participated in testimonial matches for Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves, Gareth Owen and Kevin Russell in 2000, 2001 and 2005 respectively.
Even before that time, the two sides met for a charity match at Old Trafford for Gresford Colliery Disaster Fund in October 1934, and it ended up in favor of Wrexham with a score of 3-2.
Although Saturday’s match in Finland will be devoid of such competitive significance as these historical contests, it will give the supporters of the Welsh side another chance to see their team competing against one of the greatest teams in the footballing world.
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