Match Report | Teams | Highlights | Post-Match Reaction
Manchester United 2 Wolves 0
Martial ’32, Garnacho 90+4′
After back-to-back away losses, Manchester United returned to Old Trafford and winning ways with a two-nil victory over Wolves. A Martial first-half goal after clever build-up play and a Garnacho finish on the break in added-on time was enough to give United the three points. Though not a classic game, United dominated both halves while Wolves failed to record a single shot on target. The win moves United four points clear of Liverpool in the chase for the final Champions League place.
United started well despite the absence of Rashford in the team or even the squad. However, although they dominated possession and were creating chances, the breakthrough didn’t come until past the half-hour mark when Man of the Match Fernandes slipped a pass-through for Antony, who squared it to Martial to slot home. It should’ve been the first of many, but United couldn’t turn their possession into clear-cut chances against a Wolves side content to sit and wait on the hope of a half chance.
The second half was similar, with Wolves not interested in playing lest they be caught on the break and United unable to break them down with possession. In the final minutes, when Wolves finally gambled on trying for an equaliser, United broke downfield, and the returning Garnacho finished with aplomb past the Wolves goalkeeper to wrap up the win.
Overall, United fans will be pleased with a professional win free from the calamities and panic of recent games, three points in the bag and increasing the gap over Liverpool. Another routine win next Saturday, away at Bournemouth, would be welcome too.
Manchester United:
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Martial.
Subs: Butland, Dalot, Maguire, Malacia, Fred, Pelllistri, Garnacho, Martial.
Wolves:
Bentley, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Gomes, Nunes, Neves, Lemina, Neto, Cunha, Diego Costa
Subs: Sa, Collins, Jiménez, Podence, Hwang Hee-chan, Sarabia, Joao Gomes, Traore, Bueno