Wrexham AFC battled it out with Manchester United yesterday at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Surprisingly, the League Two side managed to beat the Premier League giants 3-1; however, United did not play their main team, but rather their reserve side.
Wrexham’s famous Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney have revolutionized the club since buying them in November 2020. They have seen their club promoted to League Two. They have also faced Chelsea in Florida a few days back who beat them 5-0. And now they have managed a great win over a historic club, albeit Reynolds couldn’t witness it.
Injury update on Paul Mullin
However, Wrexham striker Paul Mullin who is their best player has been hospitalized after sustaining an injury in yesterday’s match. It happened during the 12th minute when he was going for the ball in front of United’s goal. That’s when Manchester United’s reserve goalkeeper Nathan Bishops collided with him, specifically on Mullin’s chest.
The goalkeeper was only given a yellow card, and the referee soon realized the collision was more dangerous. He quickly asked Wrexham’s medical staff to step in, who quickly took Paul Mullin to the hospital.
The move was labeled reckless and clumsy by many fans, with Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson visibly angry. As reported by the Daily Mail, he said after the game, “I’m fuming about it, I’ve got to be honest with you. It was a clumsy, reckless challenge in a pre-season game and I’m not happy with it at all.” Nathan was then booed by the Wrexham fans until half time when he was substituted.
Ryan Reynolds in the aftermath of the game tweeted, “Paul Mullin puts his last drop of blood into everything he does. The entire @Wrexham_AFC community is pulling for a speedy recovery.”
Paul Mullin puts his last drop of blood into everything he does. The entire @Wrexham_AFC community is pulling for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/CclAD42nFw
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) July 26, 2023
Mullin is in stable condition now, though he is still on the hospital bed. He could miss the beginning of the season as he has suffered a lung puncture.
Wrexham AFC’s shocking victory over Manchester United
United coach Erik Ten Haag decided to play his reserve side in the game, giving the senior players some more rest. He was however seen on the bench, though the match was managed by Travis Binnion, the club’s academy head. Most of the team were academy players below the age of 21 except Jonny Evans who joined on a short-term deal from Leicester.
Wrexham’s Elliot Lee opened the scoring in the 29th minute and Aaron Hayden doubled the score in the 36th minute. United’s Spanish talent Marc Jurado managed to pull back one in stoppage time in the first half.
United had captain Dan Gore sent off right after the start of the second half. Wrexham then sealed the game in the 69th minute through Sam Dalby. Wrexham thus completed a great 3-1 win over United, one which reflects their success in recent times.
United will now take on Real Madrid on 27th July, while Wrexham face Philadelphia Union II on Saturday.
