Wrexham midfielder Ollie Rathbone has expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match against his former club, Manchester United. Rathbone, who spent eight years in the United academy before his release in 2016, described the experience of playing against them as a “humbling experience.”
Rathbone joined the Manchester United academy at a young age, developing alongside players such as Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. He credits the club with providing him with a strong foundation and instilling the necessary work ethic for a professional football career.
Academy Development and Career Path
During his time at Old Trafford, Rathbone learned the importance of hard work, despite the club’s glamorous image. He noted that the academy taught him the basics of what it takes to be a professional footballer, fostering a determination to pursue a career in the sport.
After his release in 2016, Rathbone moved to Rochdale, where he played for five seasons. He then joined Rotherham in 2021, contributing to their promotion to the Championship in his first of three seasons with the club.
Rathbone joined Wrexham in the summer of 2024 and has since become a key player for Phil Parkinson’s Championship side. He highlighted the Manchester United academy’s track record of producing players who go on to have successful professional careers, not just those who reach the top level of European football.
Last season, Rathbone sustained a significant ankle injury during a pre-season game against Sydney FC in July 2025, which led to him missing the first 20 league matches. He returned to action by scoring a late equaliser against Watford in December and was a regular for the remainder of the campaign.
Pre-Season Fixture Against Former Club
Wrexham’s pre-season schedule includes a friendly match against Manchester United at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium. Rathbone described the opportunity to play against his former club as a “pinch-me moment” and a privilege to travel and play against one of the world’s best clubs.
The friendly is part of Wrexham’s preparations for their second season in the Championship. The team is also scheduled to travel to the United States next week for matches against Leeds United, Liverpool, and Sunderland.
For Manchester United, the squad for the friendly includes a mix of youth and experienced players. Santos, who recently completed a transfer from Chelsea, is one of the summer signings who could feature. Other players expected to get minutes include Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, and Bryan Mbeumo.
Several players will not be participating in the match due to various reasons. Karl Darlow is in the final stages of recovery from a procedure, while Youri Tielemans has been granted additional time off after his participation in the World Cup. Other notable absences include Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir, Amad, Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and Lisandro Martinez, many of whom were in North America.
Manuel Ugarte is a long-term injury absentee, and Benjamin Sesko is working towards full fitness after missing the final three games of last season. Young players like Jaydan Kamason, Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Tyler Fletcher are hoping to make an impression in the match. The friendly is scheduled for 4pm BST on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
