Snl24.com | Man Utd Off To Winning Start Despite Late VAR Drama
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Raphael Varane of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the teams first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on August 14, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Manchester United began their Premier League campaign on a positive note after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Premier League
Result: Manchester United 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Date: 14 August 2023
Venue: Old Trafford
The Red Devils handed league debuts to goalkeeper Andre Onana and Mason Mount, while new striker Rasmus Hojlund is still recovering from injury.
Erik ten Hag’s men dominated in the opening exchanges but only managed to carve one chance in the opening 20 minutes, with Rashford forcing goalkeeper Jose Sa into a good save.
Wolves nearly got the opener against the run of play on 27 minutes as Matheus Cunha embarked on a fine run before slipping in Pablo Sarabia, who saw his strike deflect inches wide of Onana’s upright.
The visitors’ biggest threat came from Pedro and Cunha on the counter, although Onana did not have a single save to make between the sticks in the opening 45 minutes.
Cunha should have put Wolves ahead shortly after the halftime break after getting on the end of Sarabia’s cross, but he could only hit the crossbar with Onana to beat from six yards out.
With United struggling to find the breakthrough, Ten Hag opted for a double change on 68 minutes as Mount and Alejandro Garnacho made way for Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho.
The Red Devils got their reward in the 76th minute when Aaron Wan-Bissaka latched onto a pass from Fernandes before picking out Varane, who headed home from close range.
Wolves threw bodies forward in search of an equalising goal, but goalkeeper Onana produced a couple important saves to deny Fabio Silva in the closing stages while the visitors also thought they should have had a penalty in second-half stoppage time.
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