Manchester United are reported to be in discussions with Wrexham about a potential repeat of the sides’ dramatic friendly next summer. The previous meeting ended 3–1 to Wrexham and included a serious injury to striker Paul Mullin, who suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs following a challenge from young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, who would leave United just weeks later.

According to the Daily Mail, United are interested in arranging another fixture with the Championship outfit. The proposed match is expected to be one of two friendlies during the Red Devils’ planned trip to Scandinavia, rather than the United States where the earlier meeting took place.

Club officials are debating how the 2026 World Cup might affect summer demand. Some believe the tournament will boost interest in matches that summer, while others fear fans will be fatigued by the time United begin friendlies. Ticket sales are central to that decision and reduced demand would likely prompt a different approach, given the significant logistical upheaval of a trip to the United States.

For Wrexham, the proposed friendly would provide a celebration following their first season back in the Championship. The Red Dragons had been among the title favourites during their time in the lower divisions but have since found themselves in a genuine battle in the second tier. The Championship is described as famously difficult to escape and often goes right down to the wire.

At the time the potential friendly was reported, Wrexham sit 14th in the Championship standings, four points adrift of the playoff places and 10 clear of the relegation zone. New investment from Apollo Sports Capital has been cited as a boost to the club’s long-term aim of reaching the Premier League and, potentially, meeting United at the top level.

Manchester United reported a notable increase in net debt in the opening quarter of 2025–26 after a heavy summer spending programme, even as the club posted an operating profit for the period.

The latest accounts show net debt has climbed past $1 billion (£749 million) for the first time, following a £105 million borrowing to cover transfer instalments and outstanding payments. The club took on that borrowing in addition to historic debt accumulated under the Glazers and subsequent borrowings, producing the new net debt total of £749 million.

Revenue for the three months to Sept. 30, 2025 came in at £140.3 million, down from £143.1 million in the same period a year earlier, a 2% reduction. Every revenue strand fell: commercial revenue slipped from £85.3 million to £84.2 million (-1.3%), broadcasting dropped from £31.3 million to £29.9 million (-4.5%) and matchday income edged down from £26.5 million to £26.2 million (-1.1%). The report attributes the largest fall in broadcasting to the absence of European football this season.

United recorded a £13 million operating profit but a £6.6 million net loss for the quarter. The operating result marks an improvement on the prior-year period, when the club reported an operating loss.

Omar Berrada sought to emphasise the positives in his response to the accounts. “These robust financial results reflect the resilience of Manchester United as we make strong progress in our transformation of the club,” Berrada said.

“The difficult decisions we have made in the past year have resulted in a sustainably lower cost base and a more streamlined, effective organisation equipped to drive the club towards improved sporting and commercial performance over the long-term.

That has helped us to invest in our men’s and women’s teams, sitting in sixth and third places in the Premier League and Women’s Super League respectively.”

The report also details cost-cutting actions linked to changes under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Around 250 roles were cut in 2024, followed by a second round earlier this year that was expected to affect up to 200 staff, reducing the workforce by almost 40% from over 1,100 since Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.

Napoli have not dismissed the possibility of pursuing Kobbie Mainoo on loan as the Manchester United midfielder seeks regular playing time. Mainoo has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim and is reported to favour a temporary move abroad when the January transfer window opens, with links to Napoli and Bayern Munich.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the club’s potential involvement, suggesting any approach would be evaluated. “He is a player who has been linked to Napoli since August, also for his age, his potential, and the transfer opportunity,” Manna said. “This team is doing well, it is consolidated. We have some important absences right now, but sooner or later the lads will return, strong and determined. We have to make the right evaluations, so we’ll see how things progress along the way.”

The interest is framed by recent business between the two clubs. Napoli have taken Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United in the past couple of years, moves that the Italian club will be conscious of as they weigh any further activity.

Reports in the Daily Mail indicate Mainoo has chosen Napoli as his preferred destination and that “at least 12 clubs” could show interest if Manchester United permit a loan. The player was thought to have been keen on a move to Naples over the summer as well. Any transfer is likely to depend on United’s willingness to engage and whether the club requires a replacement first. It has also been suggested a decision on Mainoo might be delayed until after Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mainoo’s limited appearances this season have prompted questions whenever Amorim has faced the media. On the topic, the United boss said: “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch,” reinforcing that selection is based on performance and team needs.