Wrexham star Mullin suffers punctured lung vs Man Utd after ugly tackle

Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop felt the wrath of Wrexham’s American fans and manager Phil Parkinson after he injured Paul Mullin in their pre-season friendly in San Diego. Mullin required oxygen on the pitch and was taken straight to hospital after colliding with the 23-year-old stopper. It was later revealed by manager Parkinson he suffered a small puncture to his lung. 

After a bright start, Mullin was baring down on goal chasing a loose ball when Bishop came rushing out of his goal. The United goalkeeper completely mistimed his efforts to intercept and instead smashed into Mullin at full force. 

He was shown a yellow card but commentators admitted he would likely have been lucky to avoid a straight red if it was a competitive game. Parkinson agreed and was critical of Bishop’s decision to make the challenge. 

“I mean, listen, Mulls has got a small puncture in his lung, he’s in hospital at the moment,” Parkinson said at full-time. 

“But it’s a clumsy challenge from the goalkeeper and, for me, there’s no need to make it. It’s a straight red. The reason it’s a straight red, and even if the ref said to me that maybe there’s a covering defender, it’s a dangerous challenge. 

“If you add those two situations up, he should’ve been off the pitch. Listen, it’s a massive blow for us to lose Paul. He’s an outstanding player.” 

There were worrying moments as Mullin was down in a heap surrounded by medical personnel from both clubs and was given oxygen on the pitch after a huge hit to his rib area. After being down for several minutes, he was eventually able to walk off under his own power with the help of medical staff, albeit in obvious discomfort.

After Mullin was replaced, fans made their feelings known towards Bishop. He was booed loudly whenever he touched the ball with the San Diego crowd showing their love towards Mullin and Wrexham after their fairytale rise.

“It’s reckless, its dangerous, doesn’t get anywhere near the ball,” commentator Steward Robson on ESPN said as he watched replays of the ugly challenge from Bishop. Bishop was replaced by Radek Vitek as one of multiple half-time changes from both sides. 

Despite losing their top goalscorer, Wrexham took the lead soon after via Elliot Lee and doubled their advantage through Aaron Hayden. Marc Jurado halved the deficit in first-half stoppage time but Sam Dalby sealed a 3-1 win for Wrexham after Dan Gore received a harsh red card shortly after the break.