(CNN) Manchester United and Wrexham announced they will play each other in a friendly later this year – with the help of a surprise sporting crossover.
Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, appearing on a video call together, called legendary United manager Alex Ferguson to discuss the game, which will be held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on July 25.
Wrexham has risen to relative prominence in the United States since Reynolds and McElhenney bought the Welsh club in November 2020, with the story of their acquisition and first season in charge being told in the hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
“I can’t believe we’re about to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson,” says McElhenney. “Probably the greatest football manager of all time. He’s won 13 Premier League titles.”
“I know I’m super nervous,” Reynolds replies. “I hear he’s a master intimidator.”
The video call ends without a word from Ferguson, who stares blankly at the camera while Reynolds and McElhenney chatter nervously.
“It was terrifying,” says McElhenney.
“I told you so, Master Intimidator. He lives right up here,” Reynolds replies, pointing to his own head.
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds watches during an FA Cup match.
When asked how the conversation with Reynolds and McElhenney went, Ferguson replies, “They were on mute. I never heard anything.”
The friendly will form part of United’s preseason tour, the club’s first time in the United States in five years, while it will mark the first time in club history that Wrexham has played in the States.
“The game against Manchester United is sure to be a memorable event,” Wrexham manager Phi Parkinson said in a statement.
“We’re excited to welcome fans from the United States to the Racecourse Ground, and we look forward to playing on American soil in front of some of these new fans this summer.”