Wrexham striker Paul Mullin revealed he was fearing for his life after suffering a horror injury in a pre-season clash against Manchester United.

Mullin suffered a punctured lung and four fractured ribs after colliding with reserve goalkeeper Nathan Bishop during the friendly in Rob McElhenney, putting an early end to his evening.

The 28-year-old was taken to hospital where he remained until he had fully recovered and made his return to Wales last week after the club kicked off their League Two campaign.

Speaking to The Athletic, Mullin recalled the frightening moments following the collision and how he struggled for breath.

“I was trying to breathe in but nothing was happening,” said Mullin. “I couldn’t get air into my lungs. That’s when I knew it was bad. In that struggle for breath, with my lips turning blue, I accepted that this could be it for me. That’s how it felt. I couldn’t breathe properly for a few minutes.

“I was thinking about my little boy, Albi. I hate being away from him and my partner Molly for too long but I had told myself it was only two weeks and that I’d be back home soon. It ended up being much longer, but I’m so thankful it wasn’t worse.

I remember, a few seconds earlier, getting my head to the ball and then going down. For someone like me who will do that kind of thing again and again, being winded is something I’m used to. It usually lasts around ten seconds and is never nice. Only this time I couldn’t shake it.”

Mullin spent 13 hours on oxygen at UC San Diego Hospital before being discharged. He then spent the remainder of his recovery in Long Beach with Friends.

Co-owner Rob McElhenney flew out to visit Mullin in California but jetted back with Ryan Reynolds for the League Two opener.

The striker has been inundated with well wishes throughout his recovery and paid tribute to Wrexham’s fans, who hope to get him back on the pitch as quickly as possible.