Wrexham's pre-season took a significant turn on July 18 when Phil Parkinson's side beat Manchester United 1-0 in Helsinki, a result that will do plenty for confidence as the club builds towards Championship football. Beating a Premier League side, even in a friendly, carries weight, and the win arrived at a moment when Wrexham needed exactly that kind of momentum after a quiet start to their summer preparations.

The context matters. Wrexham had drawn 0-0 with Wisla Krakow in their only previous pre-season outing, a flat result that offered little indication of where the squad stood heading into a new Championship season. The victory over United, who arrived in strong domestic form after winning four of their final five Premier League matches, sharpens that picture considerably. It was a controlled performance against serious opposition, and the clean sheet will encourage Parkinson as much as the goal itself.

The match was not without controversy. The referee was booed off the field following a late penalty shout from the United side, though that did nothing to diminish what Wrexham achieved on the night. United's frustration only underlined how competitive and organised Parkinson's side were throughout.

With a fixture against Leeds United scheduled for July 24, Wrexham face another test against Championship opposition. Both clubs sit in the early standings without points played, meaning these pre-season weeks are about building shape and sharpness rather than results. On this evidence, the squad is finding its rhythm at the right time.