Raphael Varane headed in the only goal of the game while the debutant goalkeeper made a series of wonderful saves to shut out the aggressive Wolves side
This was far from the anticipated performance Manchester United would have expected after a summer of lavish spending but they somehow got away with it and beat an excellent Wolves side 1-0 to start the season with three points on the table.
Mason Mount had a really disappointing starting debut but his fellow new arrival Andre Onana made four impresive saves to keep out Gary O’Neil’s rampant visitors, who also hit the woodwork and defied expectations just a week after parting ways with coach Julen Lopetegui.
United went on against the run of play when Raphael Varane headed home Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross in the 76th minute. Wolves were left shocked on how they did not take more from the game, especially after having a strong penalty shout in added time when Onana collided with two players. Manchester United’s players from Old Trafford are rated below…
Goalkeeper & DefencelAndre Onana (7/10):
The Cameroonian played with courage on his competitive debut and, unlike in the friendly against Lens, his tendency to roam did not get him into trouble. Made smart saves from Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Fabio Silva (twice) although was fortunate to not be penalised for clashing with two Wolves players in added time.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (8/10):
Attentive to the danger down his side and set up the only goal with a smart cross to Varane. Stayed focused until the end.
Raphael Varane (8/10):
Gave United leadership when they were trying to hold Wolves off and, most crucially, found the only goal in the match.
Lisandro Martinez (5/10):
Not too reliable on what was his first competitive game in more than four months. Got an early booking for a sliding tackle on Neto and that conditioned his performance until half-time, when Ten Hag took him off for Victor Lindelof.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Wolves best chances came down his left side and he was not very effective going forward. Made an excellent block late in the game.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Was far from his dominant self but helped United find the much needed breakthrough with a nice through ball to Wan-Bissaka.
Casemiro (6/10):
Notably, not as solid as usual defensively but was lively in attack.
Mason Mount (5/10):
Uninspiring full debut. Struggled to create much and his passing was not perfect as expected
Attack
Antony (7/10):
Useful and United’s liveliest attacker and a big improvement on many matches from last season.
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Seen struggling to get much space as a centre-forward and had more joy when he played in his favorite position on the left of the attack in the second half. Still created little chances to shout about.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Lively but frustrating performance. Got forward a lot but routinely made the wrong decision. Removed in the 68th minute into the game.
Subs & Manager
Victor Lindelof (6/10):
Played the entire second half and could do little to halt Wolves’ dominance.
Jadon Sancho (6/10):
Gave United a bit more fluidity and space when he came on.
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
His experience was useful and helped United get a win they did not deserve.
Scott McTominay (N/A):
Only introduced for the last 13 minutes towards stoppage time.
Facundo Pellistri (N/A):
Only introduced for the final two minutes close to stoppage time.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
No complaints with his team selection and his substitutes helped improve the team and ultimately gave Man Utd the hard fought victory.
