Wrexham’s Paul Mullin offers update from hospital after puncturing lung

Wrexham striker Paul Mullin has given an update to fans from his hospital bed after the prolific striker suffered a punctured lung against Manchester United. The Reds Dragons took on Erik ten Hag’s side at the Snapdragon Stadium in what was the third leg of their US pre-season tour.

With United naming a team that largely comprised of under-21 players, Wrexham ran out 3-1 winners, thanks to goals from Elliot Lee, Aaron Hayden and Sam Dalby, with 19-year-old Marc Jurado scoring the Red Devils’ consolation.

But the game’s first flashpoint arrived early in the first half when Mullin, who scored 46 goals in all competitions for Wrexham last season, was clattered by United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, who received a yellow card following the incident.

Mullin received lengthy on-field treatment before he was able to walk off the pitch with an oxygen mask. He was then taken straight to hospital.

The 28-year-old has since taken to social media to reassure supporters about his welfare. Posting a photograph of himself wearing an oxygen mask in his hospital bed with his thumb up, Mullin wrote on Instagram: “Thank you for all your messages. All good here!”

The outcome of the serious injury is that Mullin will now miss the start of Wrexham’s League Two season next month.

United’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Bishop sent an apology to Mullin via Twitter. He wrote: “Just wanted to share my sincerest apologies to Paul Mullin. A complete misjudgement and a genuine accident with no malicious intent at all! Wishing you the speediest recovery and hope to see you back scoring goals as soon as possible!”

However, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was left fuming after the match and sent a warning to the United keeper, urging him to steer clear.

Parkinson said: “It is a real blow for us, you can’t hide away from that. I thought it was a clumsy challenge from the goalkeeper and it should have been a straight red.

“It was a dangerous challenge and Mulls is our talisman. I’m fuming with it, I have to be honest about that. It was a clumsy, reckless challenge in a pre-season game. I haven’t seen the goalie and he’s probably best steering clear of us for the time being because we’re not very happy.”

Wrexham’s celebrity co-owner Rob McElhenney was in attendance to witness the match, but Ryan Reynolds was unable to attend as he continues filming of the latest Deadpool movie in England.

The Red Dragons will finalise their US tour with a match against Philadelphia Union II on Friday.