Manchester United steadied its top-four plans in dominant but nervy fashion as the finish-challenged Red Devils beat Wolves 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Anthony Martial’s first-half goal snapped Man United back into the win column after losing consecutive Premier League matches, and Alejandro Garnacho scored deep in stoppage time to finally salt away the Red Devils’ win.
WATCH MANCHESTER UNITED vs WOLVES FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM - LINK
The win moves Man United back level with third-place Newcastle on 66 points, four more than Liverpool. All three sides have played 35 matches.
Wolves, meanwhile, remain safe from relegation fears, nine points clear of the bottom three.
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Dominant Red Devils take time putting away Wolves
Manchester United was energetic with the ball and resolute without it, as Raphael Varane’s return was successful alongside Victor Lindelof at the back and Casemiro in front of them.
But while United took 20 of the game’s first 25 shots, there was only Anthony Martial’s first-half goal to show for it.
And so the Red Devils’ top four hopes felt safe but were one bad break away from the brink, so to speak, as Wolves stretched the affair long enough to allow Adama Traore to sub into the game with just over a quarter-hour to play.
Fortunately, Alejandro Garnacho was the man to get the next goal and United wasn’t left to rue a performance with everyone but the goal(s).
Manchester United vs Wolves player ratings: Stars of the Show
Casemiro
Antony
Bruno Fernandes
Max Kilman
What’s next?
Manchester United visits Bournemouth on Saturday, while Wolves host Everton. Both matches kickoff in the 10am ET window.
Anthony Martial goal video: Red Devils cut through defense
Alejandro Garnacho goal video: Stoppage time insurance tally
How to watch Manchester United vs Wolves live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, SaturdayTV Channel: PeacockOnline: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & star players
Man United boss Erik ten Hag would love to see cutting edge from someone other than Marcus Rashford, as even Bruno Fernandes is huffing and puffing to produce the final product.
Wolves have seen some terrific performances out of Jose Sa this year and he may be the key to getting a surprise win, but can Julen Lopetegui distract his men from the fact that their season’s safe and there’s a bottom-half ceiling to boot?
Manchester United team news, injuries, lineup options
📋 Three changes for today's starting XI...
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 13, 2023
➡️ Varane, Martial, Sancho
⬅️ Malacia, Weghorst, Rashford#MUFC || #MUNWOL
Wolves team news, injuries, lineup options
☝️ One change from #WOLAVL.
— Wolves (@Wolves) May 13, 2023
🐺 Bentley's Wolves & @premierleague debut.
How we line-up to face @ManUtd.
🐺📋 @AstroPay_OK pic.twitter.com/xSjco3FMOG