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In a thrilling encounter that encapsulated the highs and lows of football, Manchester United showcased their flair for dramatic conclusions, pulling off a sensational 4-3 victory against Wolves. The match, already a rollercoaster of emotions, culminated in 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo delivering a moment of pure brilliance. His 97th-minute curler not only sealed the win but also underscored United’s knack for unforgettable finishes.
The game was a testament to United’s ability to both dominate and falter in equal measure. After establishing a commanding 3-1 lead, United’s defense wobbled, conceding two goals in a mere nine minutes. It seemed all their efforts were on the brink of being nullified until Mainoo emerged as the hero, ensuring United left with all three points.
Earlier, Marcus Rashford had sought redemption on the pitch, turning his focus away from off-field distractions. Just a week removed from being spotted in Belfast, Rashford was pivotal in United’s attacking forays, contributing to the opening goal in the fifth minute.
Rasmus Hojlund, who assisted Rashford’s goal, continued to impress throughout the match. His combination of strength and savvy play brought United their second goal, further tilting the scales in their favor. Despite the team’s dominance, the second half brought its challenges, with standout performances from Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro crucial in maintaining United’s lead, albeit briefly.
Casemiro, despite his efforts, was part of a pivotal moment that saw Wolves claw back into the game through a penalty converted by Pablo Sarabia. However, Scott McTominay’s header seemed to have restored order for United, setting the stage for what appeared to be a comfortable finish before Wolves rallied back, setting the scene for Mainoo’s dramatic winner.
Player Ratings:
Andre Onana (5/10)
Diogo Dalot (7/10)
Raphael Varane (7/10)
Lisandro Martinez (9/10)
Luke Shaw (7/10)
Kobbie Mainoo (10/10) – Man of the Match
Casemiro (5/10)
Bruno Fernandes (6/10)
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10)
Rasmus Hojlund (9/10)
Marcus Rashford (8/10)
Substitutes
Scott McTominay (7/10)
Antony (4/10)
Omari Forson (N/A) Harry Maguire (N/A) Jonny Evans (N/A)
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
The team delivered an exceptional performance in the first half and kicked off the second half with equal vigor, with Erik ten Hag selecting his strongest XI. The missed opportunities can’t be attributed to him; one could argue he managed a team that deserved a 5 or 6 to 3 victory over Wolves. However, his substitution decisions were poor, notably the ill-advised replacement of an out-of-form Antony for a menacing Marcus Rashford, to highlight one example. Such choices gave Wolves an opportunity to get back into the game. He’ll undoubtedly be profoundly thankful to Mainoo for rescuing the team.
