Manchester United kicked off their 2023/24 Premier League season in a Monday night football fixture against Wolves.
We were eager for the competitive debuts of new signings Andre Onana and new number seven Mason Mount, but Erik ten Hag’s side were without Rasmus Hojlund, however, who is managing a small back issue he picked up during preseason with Atalanta. Tom Heaton’s knock meant Dean Henderson was on the bench, as well, despite being heavily linked with a transfer.
Wolves frustrated the Red Devils in the first half, limiting United’s opportunities for Rashford to get on the ball. The final ball just wasn’t seen more often than not and United again looked vulnerable against the counter attack.
Over the 90 minutes, United simply didn’t look fit, which should be a concern for supporters and for ten Hag. It’s the first match of the season, so you can’t take too much from it, but there’s work to be done, for sure. We’ll take the three points, though.
Andre Onana – 6
Wolves’ marking kept his options limited when trying to play out. You could say he was lucky to not give away a penalty in stoppage time, but it would have been extremely harsh to award one.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
United’s best player on the first half and arguably, the entire 90, which could be worrying. Did well to overlap and get forward and also tracked back well to prevent a counter attack chance late in the first half. Assisted Varane’s goal with a brilliant ball into the mixer. Man of the Match in my opinion.
Raphael Varane – 6
Not much to do, but was able to get forward more often than he had in the past. Unlucky with his headed chance from a corner late in the first half. Made up for it in the second, though, with a brilliant headed goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 4
Still looks a bit off the pace. Lost his runner more than once. Subbed off at halftime, potentially due to an ankle knock. Looked like one challenge away from a second yellow, though.
Luke Shaw – 5
Quiet day at the office. His yellow card was the result of a lack of fitness and his overall game suffered, too.
Casemiro – 4
Still a bit of rust to shake off. A step behind, especially in the tackle. Gave away possession too much for a player in his position. Needs a run of games to get fit, but it can be argued that United should be looking at another defensive midfielder sooner than later.
Mason Mount – 4
Got about the pitch but struggled to make an impact on the first half. Needs to do more if he wants to prove the skeptics wrong.
Bruno Fernandes ( C ) – 5
Didn’t see a ton of the ball in the first half. Not a great showing in the second half.
Antony – 4
Showed more willingness to take on his man, but reverted to type in the second half and hesitated to find a teammate on more than one occasion as the game went on.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Tried to make it work, but came up against an experienced defense and often didn’t see the better pass. Should have done better with his chance in the 59th minute.
Marcus Rashford – 4
Could have chipped the keeper for his chance early on. Not very involved at all, but will need to step it up if United want to cope without Hojlund for the next few weeks.
Substitutes
Victor Lindelof – 4
Subbed on at halftime. Failed to pick up the overlapping run that nearly cost United. A bit too hesitant and shaky at times and caught high up the pitch far too frequently.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Didn’t see enough the ball to make too much of an impact. Offered nothing in defense, too, which can be a problem for United.
Scott McTominay – 5
Brought on to perhaps add a bit of physicality to a bullied United side and was dangerous with his first venture into the final third. Did well to throw his body in the way to block a shot in the dying minutes.
Facundo Pellistri – 5
Made good runs to be an outlet, but Wolves defended too well and kept him quiet. Looked lively enough to give Antony something to worry about.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Still too hesitant in the final third and still a step too slow when defending, as well.
casemiro was basically alone – bruno and mount ahead of him is suicide – modric and kroos played far deeper, you cannot play bruno and mount so far forward and expect any different.
united performances look a lot like Ole is still in charge. completely clueless. players abdicating responsibilites. playing like they care nor can even be bothered to do basics like running back. ETH is looking like a very bad appointment.