Manchester United kept the race to third place as they bounced back from back-to-back Premier League defeats to comfortably defeat Wolves at Old Trafford.
Despite yet to play 90 since returning from a hip injury last month, Anthony Martial has proven a capable assistant in place of the injured Marcus Rashford, giving his side the lead before being substituted in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes shone again for Erik Ten Hag in the No.10 role, proving a constant threat as United could have increased their advantage had it not been for several good saves from debutant Dan Bentley in the visitors’ goal.
Meanwhile, Diego Costa’s performance was far from his pomp at Chelsea, with the Brazilian retaining his aggression but failing to replicate the form in front of goal that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers. .
Less than a month after signing a five-year deal with the club, 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho continued to reward Ten Hag’s confidence by scoring in injury time to secure three points for the hosts.
Ian Whitwell provides the scores and analysis for Saturday’s clash.
Man United continued their push for Champions League football with a win over Wolves
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
David De Gea 6
Ten Hag kept the faith despite his recent blunders and was largely correct except for a moment when he recklessly sprinted out of his area for a through ball.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6
Spent a lot of time bombing Antony down the right to probe an attacking breakthrough but still managed to fulfill his defensive duties.
Vactor Lindelof 7
Seems much more solid without error-prone Maguire by his side. Wolves boldly opted for a front two and United’s central defense muzzled them.
Returning to the left flank, Luke Shaw produced a generally solid performance for the hosts
Raphael Varane 6
Back from a month-long injury and looked rusty with some early bad passes. Recovered as the game progressed and took advantage of a physical battle with Costa.
Luke Shaw 7
Back at left-back, after his recent outings in the middle, and impressed at both ends of the field. Delivered a big cross and made some key head clearances.
Casemiro 6
Casemiro was a defensive anchor as Erik ten Hag’s side recorded another clean sheet
It’s not a classic display, but his sensible presence is a reminder of how much he misses United when he’s out. In the right place most of the time.
Christian Eriksen 6
Not in the kind of form he was showing earlier in the season, his passing not being as effective. Did a good job of retaining possession though.
Anthony 7
Among many others, he missed two good chances in the first half, shooting and heading wide and wasting a brilliant break. But did selflessly to set up the opener and offer a constant threat.
Bruno Fernandes 8
Bruno Fernandes produced a fantastic display going forward, controlling United’s attacks from midfield
Another busy day for the Portuguese number 10, involved in numerous attacks, including assists for both United goals. Good set pieces too.
Jadon Sancho 5
His pass sparked the move that led to the first goal, but it was a rare significant contribution until his 73rd-minute shot was well saved by Bentley.
Antoine Martial 7
Without an injured Rashford, the pressure was on for someone to score and the Frenchman responded. Still not capable of a full 90.
After an injury blighted season, Anthony Martial reminded fans of his skills in front of goal by scoring the opener
Substitutes
Wout Weghorst for Martial 68 min – 5
Harry Maguire for Varane 80 minutes
Fred for Eriksen 81 mins
Alejandro Garnacho for Sancho 81 minutes
Substitutes (not used) Butland, Malacia, Dalot, Pellistri, Elanga.
Wolves (4-4-2):
Dan Bentley 8
He debuted so manager Lopetegui could overpower him and did well. Some good saves, but the best could have been his own player, Cunha, from a corner.
Dan Bentley made a number of solid saves for the visitors on his Wolves debut
Nelson Semedo 7
A big cross almost landed on an equalizer for Costa and did a fairly effective job of keeping Sancho quiet on his flank.
Craig Dawson 6
A big block denied Antony early in the second half and produced Wolves’ first shot of the game which flew well over. Reserved for an awkward late trip on Fred.
Maximilian Kilman 6
An early slip gave United a chance that should have led to a goal but recovered and even threatened from a few set pieces.
Nelson Semedo proved a constant threat on an otherwise difficult afternoon for Wolves
Toti 5
Tough work with the lively Antony on his flank and no surprise he was taken off on Bueno’s hour.
Matheus Nunes 6
Shaw didn’t spark much cheer, but made a change at both ends of the pitch before finishing the game in a more central position.
Ruben Neves 7
Seemed the best hope of an equalizer when his probing skills and passing won a string of second-half corners.
Amid speculation over his future, Ruben Neves produced a fine performance at Old Trafford
Mario Lemina 6
Needed long treatment after blocking a second-half shot from Eriksen and sacrificing as Wolves threw on Traore. All actions up to this point.
Pedro Neto 4
Ineffective and barely touched before being replaced at the break. Many of United’s attacks also fell on his flank.
Matheus Cunha 6
A labyrinthine run saw him fouled by three different United players with the third, Casemiro, booked. But the closest to a goal was in his own net.
Diego Costa 4
Reserved early for a foul on Antony, the result of a bad first touch, and well chained by Varane on the rare occasions when he saw the ball.
Far from a vintage projection, Diego Costa watched the pace before being substituted
Substitutes
Hee Chan Hwang for Neto 45 mins – 7
Daniel Podence for Cunha 61 min – 5
Hugo Bueno for Toti 61 min – 6
Adama Traoré for Lemina 74 min – 6
Raul Jimenez for Costa 77 min – 5
Substitutes (not used) Sa, Collins, Sarabia, Gomes.
Referee: J Brooks 7
