The Reds go into the game with a number of players out injured including wing-backs Issa Kabore and Libby Cacace, centre-back Lewis Brunt, midfield duo Lewis O’Brien and Elliot Lee, and striker Ryan Hardie.

Captain James McClean begins a three-game ban after he was charged following an off-the-ball incident in last Friday’s 2-1 defeat away to Swansea City while goalkeeper Danny Ward and midfielder Andy Cannon. left out of the 25-man squad submitted to the EFL for the first half of the season due to injuries, are making good progress but aren’t eligible to feature until January 1.

Wrexham met United in two pulsating FA Cup fourth round ties in 2022-23, with the Blades scoring a late equaliser to draw 3-3 at The Racecourse to force a replay which they eventually won 3-1.

Parkinson felt his side’s battling qualities were on show in those matches and he wants more of the same today.

“We have had some exciting games against Sheffield United over the years, most notably the two in the FA Cup,” said the Reds’ boss, who also saw his side lose 4-2 at Bramall Lane when the teams met in a League Cup first round tie last season.

“In the first game, we lost two defenders and were a goal down in the first 10 minutes.

“But that adversity, the way we fought back that day was a real benchmark performance for us at the time in where we were in our development.

“It was a great game and then we went to their place and ran them so close.

“We want to see that Wrexham spirit over this Christmas period from the players, staff and supporters alike. It is about pulling together.”

Jay Rodriguez could feature against United after he replaced Lee, who is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, in the registered squad.

The striker was left out of the squad due to a stress fracture of the foot but is back in full training and would have been able to play from January 1 anyway but is now in line to make his first appearance of the season when the Blades head to north Wales.

“Because of the injuries we have got and the depleted numbers. it has been great to add Jay back into the squad,” added Parkinson.

“He comes back into it on January 1 anyway but with the injuries we have got, we were down to the bare 20 players really.

“Elliot is a bit behind the others and won’t be fit for a few weeks yet.”