Martial puts United on track

Martial ended his goal drought to help Manchester United's bid for a top four finish by securing a crucial 2-0 victory against Wolves. The French forward had gone eight games without scoring, but his first-half strike at Old Trafford helped to restore United's order, following back-to-back defeats against Brighton and West Ham. Alejandro Garnacho's stoppage-time goal wrapped up United's first win in three matches.

The result moved fourth-placed United four points clear of Liverpool, who are fifth and play against struggling Leicester on Monday.

Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned to Old Trafford for the first time since being sacked in November 2021. Even his most ardent fans had to acknowledge the impressive progress made under Erik ten Hag's leadership this season, which underlined the failings of Solskjaer's troubled reign. Ten Hag made three changes to the team, with Marcus Rashford sidelined due to a leg injury, and Wout Weghorst and Tyrell Malacia dropping to the bench. Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Martial replaced them.

Despite only scoring six times in their previous nine games, United's pressure gradually mounted against Wolves, and Bruno Fernandes' free-kick forced a save from Wolves' rookie keeper Daniel Bentley. Craig Dawson went close to snatching a shock lead for Wolves, but his shot fired just wide of the United goal.

As the chances kept coming, Christian Eriksen's long-range strike just missed the target, and Antony headed wastefully over from six yards. Martial finally delivered in the 32nd minute, scoring only his second league goal in 2023 after Fernandes' pass triggered Antony's incisive raid. Bentley rashly came off his line, and Antony unselfishly cut back to Martial, who finished with ease.

Martial could have doubled United's lead before halftime, but he shot straight at Bentley from Antony's pass. Wolves missed a good chance to equalise when Max Kilman headed a corner down to Hwang Hee-chan, but the substitute screwed his shot wide from an acute angle.

Fernandes was unable to beat Bentley from close-range, and the Wolves keeper made another good save to keep out Sancho's effort. Weghorst, who is still waiting for his first Premier League goal for United, headed over from six yards. With seconds left, Garnacho sprinted onto Fernandes' pass and finished with aplomb, securing United's first win in three matches.

United's victory has put their top four destiny in their hands. After Liverpool's fixture against Leicester, United will still have three matches left to play, while Liverpool will have only two. This means that United are in control of their top four finish. The win will also give the team a boost of confidence as they continue their push for Champions League qualification.