Hollywood actor and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds messaged Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop after Tuesday’s match in San Diego to thank him for the way he dealt with an incident after the game.
A poor challenge by Bishop on Wrexham striker Paul Mullin early in the game saw the frontman leave the pitch needing oxygen having suffered a punctured lung.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said he was disappointed by Bishop's challenge, describing it as "clumsy".
"It should have been a straight red [card]," said Parkinson after seeing his side beat United's youngsters 3-1. "It’s a dangerous challenge and obviously Paul Mullin is our talisman.”
United were perturbed by those comments, especially as Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster came into the United dressing room after the match and spoke to Bishop, who was clearly upset about the injury to Mullin.
“I feel so bad for Nathan Bishop though, he’s absolutely heartbroken,” former United goalkeeper Foster said. “I passed Paul’s number onto Nathan so he can get in touch with him, but yeah he’s absolutely gutted. I feel for the lad.”
Later, Deadpool actor Reynolds thanked Bishop and wished him well in the future. Bishop, who will join English Championship club Sunderland next week, also spoke with Mullin via messages after the game. There is no issue between them.
United will stay in San Diego before flying to Las Vegas for the final game of their US tour against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
Wrexham ended a 15-year absence from the English football league in May, securing promotion to League Two as National League champions.
Manchester United ratings v Wrexham
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MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: Nathan Bishop - 4. Usually trains with United’s first team, but moved down to the Under-21s for this game. Poor for the opening goal, then made a bad challenge on Wrexham’s main striker Mullin which saw him leave the pitch needing oxygen. Was fortunate to only be booked and was booed by the crowd for the rest of the game. Undone by two set piece goals. His final United appearance before he joins Sunderland. AFP -
Marc Jurado - 6. Outjumped for the second goal, but scored United’s first, running onto a Mejbri cross. Skinned for speed and power by Wrexham’s best player Mendy in a late attack. AFP -
Jonny Evans - 5. By far the most experienced player, he’s been signed on a short-term contract. Up against Wrexham’s physical and aerial threat and United didn’t deal with it well. AP -
Will Fish - 4. Fared better than a year ago when he flew to Australia and was sent off almost immediately. But only just, as Wrexham scored twice from set pieces and dominated United’s defence. He’ll spend next season at Hibs, where he did well last season. AFP -
Alvaro Fernandez - 6. Dropped down from the first team and effective down the left, either by overlapping, underlapping or playing one-twos. Provided the cross for Jurado to score the first goal seconds before half time. AFP -
Toby Collyer - 6. Very highly rated midfielder who has risen in prominence. He rose high to head a long Wrexham throw away, but it was difficult for him against their physical threat. AP -
Dan Gore - 5. The young captain got sent off just after half time in a feisty encounter. It was a harsh decision for a pre-season friendly. It killed the game. EPA -
Isak Hansen-Aaroen - 6. Direct running with the ball early on, but faded as Wrexham moved two goals ahead. Tidy, but not as creative as Mejbri and played safe like the rest. Getty -
Hannibal Mejbri - 8. Central to much of United’s positive play and the best Manchester United player by far. The fans deserved some quality after paying an exorbitant amount for match tickets. EPA -
Shola Shoretire - 5. Ran around a lot, but limited impact. Likely to go on loan again, as he did last season playing well at League 1 Bolton Wanderers. EPA -
Joe Hugill - 5. Fine ball into the box just before half time as United tried to get back from 2-0 down, but United didn’t manage a shot on goal until the end of the first half. Almost no service to the strikers. EPA -
SUBS: Rdek Vitek (Bishop 45') - 6. Best moment was when he rushed out to stop a late Wrexham attack. USA TODAY Sports -
Maxi Oyedele (Hansen-Aaroen 59') - 6. Salford born midfielder, who plays for Poland, was at fifth tier Altrincham last season in the same league as Wrexham. Another loan should work for him. AFP -
Sonny Aljofree (Collyer 59') - 5. Watched as Wrexham nicked in to score a third 10 minutes later. Charlie McNeill (Hugill 67') - 5. Did little. Getty -
Mateo Mejia ( Shoretire 69') - 5. AFP -
Willy Kambwala (Evans 73') - 6. The player who was signed from French youth football has overcome injuries. AFP
