27 July 2023 , 14:40
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Wrexham may have to enter the transfer market after talisman Paul Mullin's injury versus Manchester United and it looks as though they have already made some inroads.
The Red Dragons ran out 3-1 winners after Erik ten Hag named a weakened team for the clash at Snapdragon Stadium on the third leg of their whirlwind US tour. Phil Parkinson's men dusted themselves off after a 5-0 drubbing against Chelsea on their first stateside date, before getting off to winning ways versus LA Galaxy II in a 3-1 victory in the game previous.
The newly-promoted EFL team drew a crowd of 34,248 crowd as enthusiasts packed out the San Diego venue before the North Wales team dispatched of the Premier League giants. For all the jubilation the National League champions felt after a resounding win, the knock sustained by star striker Mullin will come as a hammer blow.
The 28-year-old was left nursing a punctured lung following a challenge with opposition goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and was withdrawn from the field as a result of the incident. The coming together occurred early in the first half and the 23-year-old back-up stopper was given a yellow card following the challenge.
The former Tranmere Rovers forward had been set free following a speculative ball over the top of United's defence, before he bore the brunt of the impact from Bishop. Mullin was seen writhing in pain on the turf and oxygen had to be administered to the injured star.
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The loss of the forward, who scored 46 goals in all competitions for Wrexham last term, may mean that owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will have to dip into the market for a replacement on the eve of the season. In fact, journalist Alan Nixon has claimed the Red Dragons are already keeping tabs on the availability of Barnsley striker James Norwood.
The 32-year-old centre-forward has just one year left on his current deal at Oakwell and has extensive experience across the divisions in the EFL. Last season, he notched 11 strikes in 42 appearances in League One and he has previously been prolific in the fourth tier, scoring 29 times in 45 outings in League Two.
Paul Mullin of Wrexham lies injured after a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop of Manchester United (2023 AMA Sports Photo Agency)Although head coach Parkinson admitted that it was "too early" to say whether a signing would be required as a result of the unfortunate injury to Mullin, he did add: "We will assess things tonight and find out the extent of the injury and then make decisions accordingly."
With Mullin now expected to be out of action until after the start of the new season, with their first League Two fixture in 15 years coming on August 5 against MK Dons. Parkinson was visibly angered by the incident and admitted his fury following the conclusion of the game, saying: “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.
"It should have been a straight red. 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."