MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 WOLVES: HOSTS CLOSE ON TOP-FOUR PLACE AFTER ANTHONY MARTIAL AND ALEJANDRO GARN

May 13, 2023
2 years ago

Manchester United moved four points above fifth-placed Liverpool with just three games to play thanks to a comfortable 2-0 home win against Wolves.

Saturday 13 May 2023 17:17, UK

Anthony Martial celebrates opening the scoring for Man Utd against Wolves

The result means Erik ten Hag's side are closing on a Champions League spot and only trail third-placed Newcastle, who drew 2-2 at Leeds earlier on Saturday, on goal difference.

United's performance will not live long in many memories but the hosts delivered in a must-win game, creating enough chances to ensure Wolves were second best throughout the contest and preventing their visitors from recording a single shot on target.

The winning goal came from Anthony Martial in the 32nd minute when the forward swept into an empty net from Antony's pass, before substitute Alejandro Garnacho returned from injury to seal the win in stoppage time.

How United eased past toothless Wolves

Erik ten Hag is well placed to guide United back to the Champions League at the first attempt

United’s grasp on a top-four place had been loosened by back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Brighton and West Ham and they received a further blow before kick-off with news that Marcus Rashford was not fit enough to take a place in the squad.

Rashford looked like he would be a big miss given fixtures between United and Wolves have tended to be cagey affairs, with just one of their last eight meetings in all competitions seeing more than one goal scored.

That meant even greater importance was attached to the opening goal but Martial stepped up to ensure it went United’s way, tucking the ball into the bottom corner after Antony drew out Daniel Bentley, the goalkeeper making his Premier League debut after being selected ahead of Jose Sa.

The opportunity came after Max Kilman raced from the defensive line to win a ball he could not reach and his error summed up a sloppy first half from Wolves, with Antony nearly taking advantage of a defensive slip inside the first 10 minutes.

The Brazilian winger was presented with an even better opening moments before Martial’s goal when he headed Luke Shaw’s inviting cross over from just yards out.

United continued to test Bentley in the second period but he was up to the task, making excellent saves from Jadon Sancho and Antony to ensure Wolves remained in the game.

But Julen Lopetegui’s side could not take advantage of their ‘keeper’s impressive display, failing to create any chances of note on a day in which Raphael Varane made a shaky return after a month out with injury.

Garnacho then ended any Wolves hopes when he raced clear deep into second-half stoppage time, beating Bentley as he fired his shot in off the post and securing a vital three points for United, who look well placed to return to the Champions League in Ten Hag’s first season in charge.

What's next?

Manchester United visit Bournemouth next Saturday at 3pm in their final away game of the season. Erik ten Hag's side then host Chelsea on May 22 - - before playing another west London side in Fulham on the final day.

With their Premier League status now secure, Wolves host Everton next Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before going to Arsenal on the final day of the season.

Man Utd's remaining fixtures

May 20: Bournemouth (A) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 25: Chelsea (H) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm

May 28: Fulham (H) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm

June 3: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup final, kick-off 3pm

Wolves' remaining fixtures

May 20: Everton (H) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 28: Arsenal (A) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm



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