Wrexham officially sign ex-Manchester United midfielder

Manchester United continue to see former academy graduates carve out successful careers across English football, with several ex-Reds finding new opportunities this summer.

While Michael Carrick’s squad prepares for another Premier League campaign, former youth prospects are continuing their journeys elsewhere.

Wrexham, meanwhile, have shown their ambition by strengthening ahead of the new season.

The Welsh side already proved they can compete after edging United 1-0 in their pre-season opener in Helsinki.

Now, they have secured another experienced addition with Premier League ambitions firmly in mind.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder joins Wrexham

Wrexham have officially completed the signing of former Manchester United academy midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee, as the announced on their website.

The 30-year-old has signed a three-year contract, with the club holding the option to extend his stay by a further year until at least 2029.

Speaking after completing the move, Ben Whiteman said, “It’s an amazing feeling to be here, I’m thrilled to sign for Wrexham.

“I think any Championship player at this moment in time wants to join this Football Club.

“Wrexham is a Club that wants to get to the Premier League and so do I. So once the interest was there, it was really hard to ignore.”

Whiteman arrives after spending five-and-a-half years at Preston North End, where he became one of the club’s most reliable players.

Since joining from Doncaster Rovers in January 2021, he made more than 220 appearances in all competitions.

Last season alone, the midfielder featured in 43 Championship matches, contributing 2 goals and 5 assists as he remained a key figure in Preston’s midfield.

Long before establishing himself in the Football League, Whiteman spent a decade developing at Manchester United.

He joined the club’s academy at just six years old in 2002 before leaving in 2012 after being released at the age of 16.

Although he never progressed to United’s senior side, Whiteman continued his development elsewhere and has now earned another significant opportunity with a Wrexham side determined to continue their remarkable rise through English football.