Manchester United ended its calendar year with a narrow win at Wolverhampton. United played against Wolverhampton, a tail team in the Premier League, not his best game and could thank Marcus Rashford for going home with the three points. The Englishman was crowned match winner fifteen minutes before the end with the only goal of the match.
With a cup win against second division Burnley and a convincing victory against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United was at the appointment during the Christmas period. Coach Erik ten Hag’s troops hoped to end the year with a three-pointer on the Wolverhampton field. Not an insurmountable task. Wolverhampton is experiencing an absolute horros season and is fighting against relegation in the Premier League.
United also started the game the best, but the dominance did not yield any really great opportunities. Only when Wolves defender Semedo played a dramatic ball back to the goalkeeper and youngster Garnacho took off with the leather, United were really dangerous. However, it failed to score. Garnacho decided to aim for the far corner and kicked goalkeeper Sa. A solid miss from the young flank attacker.
After the break, Wolves tried to get out a few times. With an active Adama Traoré, it also went full for the opening goal. But despite the effort, De Gea only had to show his ability once after a nice free kick from Neves.
Photo: AP
Punished Rashford as rescuer
A draw seemed to be in the works, but Marcus Rashford hadn’t counted on that. The Englishman has been in great shape in recent weeks, but started on the bench after being punished by coach Erik ten Hag (the reason: he had overslept and was late for a team meeting). After the break, Rashford was allowed to take the field and again he showed his qualities. Fifteen minutes before the end, Rashford went for a walk in the Wolves defense and also rounded it off nicely: 1-0. United smelled blood and Rashford scored again, but this time the goal was disallowed after a handball from the striker. Wolverhampton then did everything they could to get a point out of the fire, but De Gea kept United straight.
Manchester United closes its calendar year in fourth place. Although the level of play will have to be raised after New Year, they want to stay in that place at the end of the season. It will be scary months for Wolverhampton.
Photo: AP
