Ahead of tonight’s third pre-season fixture over in the USA, Phil Parkinson sat down with the media to preview the clash against Manchester United.
The squad landed in San Diego after their 4-0 win over LA Galaxy II, having also played a strong Chelsea side in North Carolina.
“I don’t think we will get much bigger friendlies than Manchester United and Chelsea,” Parkinson explained.
“They are the teams that everyone looks up to, alongside the top Premier League teams and it’s incredible to test yourself against those players.
“There’s practically a team full of internationals even when it’s not their best 11 - the ones beneath that are quite often international players.”
After a tough test against Chelsea to start the US Tour, the manager emphasised the challenge his side would face against the Red Devils.
“As you go up the leagues, it’s not just the technical ability of players, it’s the power, pace and physicality of players that also goes up a notch.
“To live with that is going to be a good test for us tonight, but I’d like to think we’re ready for it.”
The Red Dragons will be expected to rotate players from their last match, with Wrexham’s opening match of the season against MK Dons in mind.
“It's always tough because you disappoint players who aren’t playing. We had a good session yesterday, and even in the heat the lads were full-on and competitive," he said.
“I’m sure there will be a few disappointed if they don’t get to start the game tomorrow but we’ve got to pick the team which we feel is right going for our progression right into the start of the season.
“As much as there is a glamourous element to these games, we are working hard on the minutes per player. It’s so that when we get back on the plane, we’re happy that everybody is close enough to where they need to be.”
Manchester United will be expected to play a weakened side, compared to how they lined-up against Arsenal, but Parkinson is satisfied with the test in front of his side.
He added: “I’m happy with the team that we’re playing, we’ve got to be realistic and if Manchester United had their full team out it would be an evening of us not having much of the ball.
“I think it’s going to be a very competitive game for the supporters to watch – that’s what the aim is and for us in terms of where we need to get to, this game is right for us.”