In a gripping pre-season friendly for the Snapdragon Cup, Manchester United suffered a shocking defeat against Wrexham. The match kicked off with an unfortunate collision between United’s goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and Wrexham’s forward Paul Mullin, resulting in Mullin’s early exit from the game due to a punctured lung. Bishop immediately expressed his heartfelt apologies to Mullin, acknowledging it was an accident with no malicious intent.
Undeterred by the setback, Wrexham displayed their unwavering determination and soon hammered in the first goal of the night, courtesy of Elliott Lee. Their lead was further extended as Aaron Hayden headed in another goal. However, just seconds before halftime, United managed to pull one back, entering the break trailing by one goal.
The second half began with an unfortunate incident for United, as Daniel Gore received a red card. Seizing the advantage of the numerical superiority, Wrexham tapped in their third goal off Sam Dalby’s boot, securing a remarkable 3-1 victory. This triumph marked a historic moment for Wrexham, as they clinched their first-ever Snapdragon Cup title.
Wrexham’s triumphant tour of the United States, led by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has garnered tremendous support from fans. The team’s thrilling performance against Manchester United added to the excitement of their journey. McElhenney expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support the club received during their time in the US.
Looking ahead, Wrexham is set to face the Philadelphia Union in their next match at Subaru Park. This fixture holds special significance for Wrexham’s co-owner Rob McElhenney, who will be making a hometown return to Philadelphia. The Union, a formidable team from the MLS, will undoubtedly provide a tough challenge for the Red Dragons.
In the aftermath of the game, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson voiced his frustration over the incident that led to Paul Mullin’s injury, believing that the challenge deserved a red card. He said, “It’s a clumsy challenge from the goalkeeper, I’m disappointed with that. It should have been a straight red. If it’s not denying a goalscoring opportunity, it’s still a dangerous challenge. So if you add the two scenarios together he should have been off the pitch. It’s a dangerous challenge, and obviously, Paul Mullin is our talisman. 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.”
Despite the controversy, United U21 boss Travis Binnion came to Bishop’s defense, emphasizing that the collision was unintentional, and Bishop had already reached out to Mullin to express his remorse. Binnion said, “It’s part and parcel of the game, nobody wants to see anyone get injured. He’s made an honest challenge, he’s come off worse. He’s already reached out to him. He’s a great lad Bish, he hasn’t got a bad bone in his body.”
Paul Mullin, the injured Wrexham striker, shared an update from the hospital, assuring fans that he was doing well and appreciating the support he received during his recovery.
Currently, the timeline for Mullin’s recovery remains uncertain. Reports suggest that the striker may have to undergo rehabilitation in the US, as flying is not allowed for six weeks after such an injury. The healing process for a punctured lung typically takes around four to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
With Wrexham’s season set to kick off against MK Dons on August 5, the team and its fans anxiously await updates on Mullin’s condition. His presence on the field has been instrumental for the team, making his recovery a top priority for the Red Dragons as they embark on their new season.
