MANCHESTER United bosses have jumped to the defence of Nathan Bishop after the goalkeeper - who is set to join Sunderland this summer - was involved in an accidental challenge which hospitalised Wrexham striker Paul Mullin.

Mullin needed lengthy treatment on the pitch after the collision with Bishop during Wrexham's 3-1 win over United in the United States, with the striker later diagnosed with a punctured lung.

Wrexham boss and former Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson slammed Bishop after the game, saying: “It’s a clumsy challenge from the goalkeeper, I’m disappointed with that. It should have been a straight red. If it’s not denying a goalscoring opportunity, it’s still a dangerous challenge.

“So if you add the two scenarios together he should have been off the pitch. It’s a dangerous challenge and obviously, Paul Mullin is our talisman.

“I’m fuming about it, I’ve got to be honest with you. It was a clumsy, reckless, challenge in a pre-season game and I’m not happy with it at all.

“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."

United are reportedly unhappy with Parkinson's comments and academy coach Travis Binnion, who was in charge of the youthful side that lost to the League Two newcomers, said: "Obviously, there's a challenge in the first half when Mullin gets injured, we hope he's alright.

"It's part and parcel of the game, nobody wants to see anyone get injured. He's made an honest challenge, he's come off worse. He's already reached out to him. He's a great lad Bish, he hasn't got a bad bone in his body."

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Mullin later posted a picture on his Instagram thanking fans for the messages and saying "all good here", while Bishop tweeted his apology to the striker.

The keeper wrote: "Just wanted to share my sincerest apologies to @PMullin7.

"A complete misjudgement and a genuine accident with 0 malicious intent at all! Wishing you the speediest recovery and hope to see you back scoring goals as soon as possible!"

Meanwhile, former Manchester United keeper Ben Foster, who now plays for Wrexham, told of his support for Bishop, who he spoke to after the game.

He told The United Stand: "I feel so bad for Nathan.

"He's absolutely heartbroken, honestly, he's absolutely heartbroken, I passed Paul Mullin's number on to Nathan so he can get in touch with him.

"But he's absolutely gutted, I feel for the lad."

Bishop is set to join Sunderland once United have completed their tour of the United States. The Black Cats have agreed the framework of a permanent switch for the 23-year-old, who will provide senior cover for Anthony Patterson after Alex Bass left for Wimbledon on loan.