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Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively Aim to Grow Wrexham with Manchester United Friendly

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 16:04 GMT by Jerry
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Ryan Reynolds Eyes Manchester United Friendly as Part of Wrexham’s Business‑Growth Strategy

When Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and his wife, actress Blake Lively, bought Wrexham A.F.C. in 2020, the deal was billed as a passion project. The couple’s acquisition of the 1,000‑year‑old Welsh club quickly grew into a full‑blown business venture, with the Reynoldses using the football platform to build a brand that extends far beyond the pitch. Their latest announcement—a friendly match against Manchester United—illustrates how the club’s owners are leveraging high‑profile fixtures to generate revenue, boost sponsorships, and raise the club’s global profile.

From Silver Screen to the South Wales Stadium

Ryan Reynolds’ transition from actor to football club chairman has been a story in itself. After starring in blockbuster films such as Dead pool and The Proposal, Reynolds’ love for the game culminated in his decision to buy Wrexham with Lively and a small group of local investors. Their vision was clear: restore the club to the English Football League Championship while keeping it financially sustainable.

Reynolds has made clear that his business acumen is just as important as his on‑screen charisma. “We’re in it for the long haul,” he told ClutchPoints in a recent interview. “We want to build something that can thrive on its own, but also give back to the community.” Lively echoed this sentiment, highlighting the family‑friendly atmosphere that the club’s supporters enjoy.

The Friendly Against Manchester United

The most recent headline-grabbing move is the scheduled friendly against Manchester United. Set to take place at Wrexham’s home ground, the Racecourse Ground, the fixture will be played on a Saturday in late September. While the club’s current manager, Dean Smith, notes that the match will be “intense” and “a real test,” Reynolds says it will also be a “major marketing opportunity.”

A marquee club like Manchester United brings a huge fan base, extensive media coverage, and, most importantly, a lucrative match‑day revenue stream. According to estimates provided by the Reynoldses’ business team, the fixture could attract a sell‑out crowd of around 12,000, which would translate into ticket sales, concessions, and merchandizing that could rival a full league season. In addition, the match is expected to secure a lucrative television rights deal with a local broadcaster, further adding to the club’s coffers.

The friendly will also allow Wrexham to test its squad against a Premier League opponent, which can be useful for tactical development. Smith said that “the quality of opposition will push us to improve,” a sentiment that the Reynoldses seem to share.

Business Benefits Beyond the Pitch

Reynolds’ business model for Wrexham extends far beyond the one-off match. The club is now actively courting sponsors from both the sports and entertainment worlds, aiming to secure long‑term partnerships that can finance stadium upgrades and player development. In a statement on the club’s official website, the Reynoldses announced a new “Revenue‑Growth Initiative” that includes:

• Stadium expansion: Increasing seating capacity from 10,500 to 13,000 by 2026.
• Merchandising: Launching a new line of club apparel featuring Reynolds and Lively’s signature designs.
• Digital engagement: A dedicated streaming platform for match highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content.
• Community programmes: Youth academies that integrate local schoolchildren into the club’s ecosystem.

By combining entertainment marketing with traditional sports finance, Reynolds hopes to create a revenue mix that mitigates the risks associated with promotion and relegation.

Linking to the Wider Story

A deeper dive into the ClutchPoints article reveals several important contextual links:

• Wrexham’s 2023/24 season: The club finished third in League Two last season, securing a play‑off spot. Their promotion hopes are high, and Reynolds’ investment is aimed at ensuring that success is sustained.

• Manchester United’s friendly schedule: The club’s 2025/26 pre‑season tour includes matches across Europe. The Manchester United friendly with Wrexham fits into this broader strategy, exposing the club to a global audience.

• Reynolds’ other ventures: Beyond acting, Reynolds owns a production company, a beer brand (Wrexham Brewing Co.), and has co‑founded a wellness app. These ventures help to diversify the revenue streams that feed into the football club’s budget.

The article also highlights the enthusiastic response from the club’s fan base. A viral TikTok clip of a Wrexham supporter wearing a “Reynolds & Lively” scarf at the stadium has already garnered thousands of likes. Social media sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, and many fans see the celebrity partnership as a breath of fresh air for the club.

What’s Next for Wrexham?

Reynolds has laid out a three‑year roadmap that includes promotion to the Championship, further stadium development, and the possibility of a partnership with a Premier League club for player loans. “We want Wrexham to be a stepping‑stone for local talent,” he said. “And we’re willing to put in the work.”

The friendly against Manchester United, while a single event, is part of this larger vision. It’s a showcase match that will put Wrexham’s brand on the map and, if executed well, could attract additional investment from sponsors and fans worldwide.

Bottom Line

Ryan Reynolds’ business‑savvy approach to running Wrexham has taken the club from a low‑tier club to a potential powerhouse in the English football pyramid. The Manchester United friendly is a testament to how he’s blending sports, entertainment, and business strategy. Whether this move will be the key to unlocking Wrexham’s future success remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the club’s next steps is unmistakable.

With the Racecourse Ground set to host a world‑class opponent, Wrexham is not only preparing for a match—but for a new era of football that is as commercially robust as it is competitively ambitious.