MANCHESTER UNITED have become locked in a furious row with Wrexham after Paul Mullin suffered a punctured lung.
Wrexham star Mullin was the victim of a vicious challenge by Red Devils goalkeeper Nathan Bishop in the 12th minute of yesterday’s “friendly” US game in San Diego.
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Paul Mullin was clattered by Man United goalkeeper Nathan BishopCredit: Getty
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The Wrexham star had to receive oxygen as he left the pitchCredit: Getty
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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was furious after the incidentCredit: Getty
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Mullin later posted an update from hospital
Bishop barged into Mullin as he approached the goal, leaving him flattened.
He needed oxygen and was taken to hospital.
And Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was scathing of Bishop who was only booked for the challenge – though booed continuously up to half-time by furious fans.
Parkinson said: “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.
“I haven’t seen the goalie and he’s probably best steering clear of us for the time being because we’re not very happy.
“It should have been a straight red [card]. If it’s not denying a goal-scoring 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. The way the lads responded after that I thought was outstanding. That’s what we’re all about as a group – resilience, sticking together.”
WELCOME TO WREXHAM
The friendly clash was an opportunity for Wrexham to continue their recent high profile exposure.
Since the Welsh minnows were bought by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, they’ve been on a rollercoaster ride.
They were promoted from the National League last season, returning to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
It was against the background of the club being the focus of a behind-the-scenes documentary Welcome to Wrexham which has led to an influx of new fans.
McElhenney was in attendance at last night’s match, but the game was overshadowed by the conduct of their opponents and the blow of losing Mullin for the start of the season.
United also had their captain on the night Dan Gore red carded for a reckless challenge on Andy Cannon two minutes into the second-half.
UNITED’S DEFENCE
Manchester United’s under-21 manager Travis Binnion, who took charge of the team last night, tried to defend Bishop for the challenge on Mullin.
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.
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“Booing him, it is what it is. He’s tried to reach out. He’s a great lad Bish, he hasn’t got a bad bone in his body.”
Bishop later tweeted an apology for the challenge.
He said: “Just wanted to share my sincerest apologies to@PMullin7 A complete misjudgement and a genuine accident with 0 malicious intent at all! Wishing you the speediest recovery and hope to see you back scoring goals as soon as possible!”
Mullin also offered fans an update, posting to Instagram from his hospital bed.
While still appearing to be in need of oxygen, the Wrexham star did manage to give the thumbs up.
He wrote: “Thanks for all your messages! All good here!”
Mullin’s team-mate Ben Tozer later revealed that the forward is unlikely to be able to travel back home with the rest of the team.
He told talkSPORT: “I’d say he misses the start of the season, definitely. I believe he’s punctured his lung. I don’t think he’s able to fly and it’s going to be a big loss for us.
“He’ll come back with the bit between his teeth. We’ll miss him but we’ve got players of real quality who can step in.”
Punctured lungs take around six to eight weeks to recover from, meaning he’ll miss the beginning of Wrexham’s return to the Football League which starts with a clash versus MK Dons on August 5.
United were later furious to hear what Parkinson had said, believing he was inflaming the situation and risking social media abuse for Bishop.
They believe it was an honest mistake by a young goalkeeper who has done his best to apologise through Wrexham staff.
Wrexham 3 Man Utd 1 match report
THIS was not the night that the Manchester United brand thrilled San Diego.
Quite what a stadium record 34,248 thought when the team was read out is open to conjecture.
The green and white second strip won’t be flying off the shelves either.
Who thought that one up?
The fact that the name ‘Jonny Evans’ got the biggest cheer tells you everything about the line-up.
The rest had everyone reaching for Wikipedia.
This fixture was announced in March which had fans over here rushing to shell out in the region of 150 dollars for tickets to see their heroes like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Then the fixture against Real Madrid was revealed in May to be played the following day in Houston.
That meant a largely under-21 team would be playing here against a strong Wrexham side just as the first team was flying out to face the Spanish giant.
The crowd were behind the second division side from the moment of Bishop’s foul that got just a yellow and cheered as they took the lead on 29 minutes when Elliot Lee turned the ball home from close range.
Father Rob of Newcastle United fame will have been celebrating.
The second arrived on 36 minutes.
Tozer’s long throw was flicked on by Aaron Hayden and Max Cleworth headed home at the back post.
United did get one back in first-half injury time through Marc Jurado’s side-footed volley finish.
Wrexham increased their lead in the 69th minute through a diving header at the far post from Sam Malby who met Jacob Mendy’s fine cross.
That was that.
The United players did a lap of thanks a couple of minutes after the final whistle.
The stadium was very much empty by then.
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Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney was at the matchCredit: EPA
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Erik ten Hag flew over from Man United’s first team training camp to watch the gameCredit: Getty
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn