Manchester United finished their 2022 with a high as they overcame Wolves at Molineux today. Marcus Rashford, dropped ahead off kick-off, came off the bench to produce a moment of magic. It ultimately proved to be enough in yet another tight game between these two.
It was back down to earth for the home side though. They offered plenty of endeavour but failed to possess that killer touch. Their boss railed at perceived injustices without taking into consideration fortune that went their way at times.
Julen Lopetegui made one change from their dramatic late win over Everton. Matheus Nunes came into their three-man midfield in place of Joe Hodge. Boubacar Traore and Jonny were both fit enough for the bench. Matheus Cunha was not available as his signing had not gone through yet. One change for Erik ten Haag also. Marcus Rashford left out in favour of Fernando Garnacho due to an internal disciplinary issue. Lisandro Martinez not deemed ready since his return from the World Cup.
Manchester United opened the scoring via a clever set piece and almost did the same early on here. Casemiro arrived late to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner but it was deflected over. The home side tried to get into decent positions only to see Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw deal with their attacks well. Nelson Semedo almost allowed Alejandro Garnacho in for a chance with a loose pass but Jose Sa saved his blushes. Antony then had a shot as he weaved his way into the area. A block took much of the power out of it though.
Wolves woke up all of a sudden and Podence and Joao Moutinho had efforts blocked by Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. David De Gea also produced a save to deny Diego Costa. Nathan Collins produced an excellent tackle to halt Anthony Martial’s run on goal at the other end. Antony should perhaps had put United in front with two chances just before the break. The first was after he met Tyrell Malacia’s cross. His header was straight at Sa though. The second when Martial flicked on a cross by Garnacho. The winger was unable to get enough power on his contact.
Both managers made changes at the break, but it was United who continued on the front foot. There was a big shout for handball after it appeared to strike Collins inside the area before Marcus Rashford set up Bruno Fernandes for an effort that was blocked. Antony tried to latch onto the re-bound but Sa managed to collect it first.
Ruben Neves almost found a way through after Casemiro gave away a free kick outside the area. His strike went over the wall and heading for the bottom corner. De Gea showing his worth yet again with the save. Shaw almost profited from a short corner after it was chipped into the goalmouth. He arrived late but had the shot blocked by Semedo.
Just when it seemed as if it was going to be one of those kind of games for United, they found a breakthrough. Rashford drove in from the left, before swapping passes with Fernandes and shooting past Sa. Perhaps showing a measure of apologies to the side for the earlier indiscretion. He thought he had put the seal on the win after his chipped shot was saved by Sa before it rebounded off the striker and into the net. It was ruled out for handball despite him being unable to do anything about it.
Wolves tried desperately to find an equaliser with several crosses and set pieces into the box. The defence was well drilled by Varane and co, and De Gea produced yet another excellent save to tip away a header from Raul Jiminez. The away fans had their hearts in their mouths after a loose pass from Donny van de Beek almost allowed in the home side for a late chance. It was blocked out though.
A job well done in the end. Ten Haag will know the side can play much better, but the result was all important. Especially how solid they looked in defence against an awkward side. They next take on Bournemouth at home on Tuesday evening at 20.00. Wolves have a midlands derby against Aston Villa on Wednesday at the same time.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Jose Sa; Nelson Semedo (Jonny 65), Nathan Collins, Maximilian Kilman, Hugo Bueno (Rayan Ait-Nouri 72), Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho (Toti 72), Hwang Hee-chan, Diego Costa (Adama Traore 46); Diego Podence (Raul Jimenez 82)
Subs not used: Boubacar Traore, Matija Sarkic, Goncalo Guedes, Joseph Hodge
Booked: Nelson Semedo (26)
Sent off: None.
Manchester Utd: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Carlos Casemiro, Cristian Eriksen (Fred 61), Bruno Fernandes (Harry Maguire 90+3), Antony (Anthony Elanga 90+3); Anthony Martial (Donny van de Beek 82), Alejandro Garnacho (Marcus Rashford 46)
Subs not used: Tom Heaton, Facundo Pellistri, Victor Lindelof, Brendon Williams, Kobbie Mainoo
Booked: Carlos Casemiro (58), Fred (72), Marcus Rashford (88)
Sent off: None.
Referee: Robert Jones
Attendance: 31,658
extratime.com Player of the Match: Raphael Varane
