Things we learned from Molineux
Manchester United left it late to record an emphatic 4-3 victory over Wolves in the Premier League on Thursday, as teenager Kobbie Mainoo stole the show at Molineux.
The Reds raced into an emphatic two-goal lead in the Midlands, before Pablo Sarabia's penalty halved our advantage. Then Scott McTominay's powerful header looked to have set the Reds on the way to a comfortable victory, at 3-1 with just 15 minutes left to play.
But the drama didn't stop there, as Wolves scored twice inside the final stages to level the game at 3-3, with Max Kilman and Pedro Neto both netting, much to the delight of the home crowd.
United needed a hero and boy did they find one. Mainoo twisted one way, then the other, before curling a wonderful clean strike beyond Jose Sa, sparking jubilant scenes among our away support.
As the dust settles on an all-time classic in the Premier League, read the key talking points from the west Midlands, where Erik ten Hag's side left it perilously late to seize victory...
But the drama didn't stop there, as Wolves scored twice inside the final stages to level the game at 3-3, with Max Kilman and Pedro Neto both netting, much to the delight of the home crowd.
United needed a hero and boy did they find one. Mainoo twisted one way, then the other, before curling a wonderful clean strike beyond Jose Sa, sparking jubilant scenes among our away support.
As the dust settles on an all-time classic in the Premier League, read the key talking points from the west Midlands, where Erik ten Hag's side left it perilously late to seize victory...
Report: Wolves 3 United 4
ArticleRead our account of a thrilling, hugely stressful evening at Molineux, that resulted in a brilliant win for the Reds.
RASHFORD RETURNS
After missing out against Newport County last time out, Marcus Rashford probably could not have envisaged a better return to the fold at Molineux. After a neat team move involving several Reds culminated in Rasmus Hojlund teeing up our no.10 on the edge of the penalty area, Marcus made no mistake by smashing home into the top corner, setting the tone for a memorable win on the road.
AWAY FANS IN FINE VOICE
United's away support never ceases to amaze, even on a bitterly cold night in the Midlands. Located along the lower section of the Steve Bull Stand, they roared through renditions of popular chants regarding City, Rashford and everything in between. The performance of our supporters should have impressed most inside Molineux, especially considering some Reds have racked up the miles across the last five days. From one former steel-producing hotbed in Wales to another in England, some 100 miles away, the effort and commitment shown is something we will forever be thankful for.
After missing out against Newport County last time out, Marcus Rashford probably could not have envisaged a better return to the fold at Molineux. After a neat team move involving several Reds culminated in Rasmus Hojlund teeing up our no.10 on the edge of the penalty area, Marcus made no mistake by smashing home into the top corner, setting the tone for a memorable win on the road.
AWAY FANS IN FINE VOICE
United's away support never ceases to amaze, even on a bitterly cold night in the Midlands. Located along the lower section of the Steve Bull Stand, they roared through renditions of popular chants regarding City, Rashford and everything in between. The performance of our supporters should have impressed most inside Molineux, especially considering some Reds have racked up the miles across the last five days. From one former steel-producing hotbed in Wales to another in England, some 100 miles away, the effort and commitment shown is something we will forever be thankful for.
GARNACHO'S JOY
Alejandro Garnacho caused the Wanderers that much strife during the first 45 minutes that Gary O'Neil was forced to change shape. Defender Toti began the game at left-back, tasked with keeping our no.17 quiet, but experienced defender Matt Doherty was then shuffled back to complete a back five, with our Argentinian's trickery and flair too hot to handle. Continuing to prove his worth, Garna's defensive capabilities in also helping Diogo Dalot further justified Ten Hag's decision to start him.
LICHA TO THE RESCUE
Having missed large parts of the first half of the season, Lisandro Martinez's return to the starting XI cannot be understated. Partnering Raphael Varane in the Midlands, the Argentinian international's ability to be able to dictate play with and without the ball are key to our build-up play. Stepping out and knowing when to squeeze the opposition back line were facets of his ability that were on show here, and his goal-line clearance to thwart Maximilian Kilman shortly after the second-half restart summed up his display, as he returned to Premier League action in style.
Alejandro Garnacho caused the Wanderers that much strife during the first 45 minutes that Gary O'Neil was forced to change shape. Defender Toti began the game at left-back, tasked with keeping our no.17 quiet, but experienced defender Matt Doherty was then shuffled back to complete a back five, with our Argentinian's trickery and flair too hot to handle. Continuing to prove his worth, Garna's defensive capabilities in also helping Diogo Dalot further justified Ten Hag's decision to start him.
LICHA TO THE RESCUE
Having missed large parts of the first half of the season, Lisandro Martinez's return to the starting XI cannot be understated. Partnering Raphael Varane in the Midlands, the Argentinian international's ability to be able to dictate play with and without the ball are key to our build-up play. Stepping out and knowing when to squeeze the opposition back line were facets of his ability that were on show here, and his goal-line clearance to thwart Maximilian Kilman shortly after the second-half restart summed up his display, as he returned to Premier League action in style.
INSTANT IMPACT
Scott McTominay had only been on the pitch a mere 60 seconds and our no.39 came up trumps at a vital time for the Reds. A wonderful corner from Bruno Fernandes was met by the Scotland international, who powered home our third of the evening, his seventh of the campaign. Casemiro jumped up from the bench following the goal and hugged Erik in delight, with the latter's tactical switch coming up roses.
MAINOO MAGIC
Throughout the previous meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford earlier this season, Matheus Cunha was allowed the freedom to drive at our defence, time and time again. That wasn't the case this time around, with teenager Kobbie Mainoo anchoring the midfield wonderfully once more, making good on his recent Player of the Month award for January. Learning from one of the best, in Casemiro, who partnered him in midfield for the most part, the 18-year-old has been one of our shining lights and continues to impressive week in, week out. Kobbie's stunning late winner capped off a night to remember and we can't wait to see even more of his developing talents.
Scott McTominay had only been on the pitch a mere 60 seconds and our no.39 came up trumps at a vital time for the Reds. A wonderful corner from Bruno Fernandes was met by the Scotland international, who powered home our third of the evening, his seventh of the campaign. Casemiro jumped up from the bench following the goal and hugged Erik in delight, with the latter's tactical switch coming up roses.
MAINOO MAGIC
Throughout the previous meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford earlier this season, Matheus Cunha was allowed the freedom to drive at our defence, time and time again. That wasn't the case this time around, with teenager Kobbie Mainoo anchoring the midfield wonderfully once more, making good on his recent Player of the Month award for January. Learning from one of the best, in Casemiro, who partnered him in midfield for the most part, the 18-year-old has been one of our shining lights and continues to impressive week in, week out. Kobbie's stunning late winner capped off a night to remember and we can't wait to see even more of his developing talents.
FULL-TIME SCENES
Not many feelings in football, nor life for that matter, can match that of a last-minute winner. Martinez's reaction from the bench said it all, as the Argentinian fist-pumped the air from the substitutes' bench. Scarves aloft, arms in the air, United's travelling contingent sure enjoyed that one and many will surely remember this night in Wolverhampton for years to come. Renditions of the popular chant 'We've seen it all' continued to echo long past the full-time whistle.
A CHANCE TO KICK ON
Up to seventh in the table, Ten Hag's men can take plenty of confidence from an action-packed evening in Wolverhampton. With West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton Town to come, there is an opportunity for this result to act as a springboard. Several players have now returned from long-term lay-offs and we know Erik recognises the chance before us to recreate some of last season's form.
Not many feelings in football, nor life for that matter, can match that of a last-minute winner. Martinez's reaction from the bench said it all, as the Argentinian fist-pumped the air from the substitutes' bench. Scarves aloft, arms in the air, United's travelling contingent sure enjoyed that one and many will surely remember this night in Wolverhampton for years to come. Renditions of the popular chant 'We've seen it all' continued to echo long past the full-time whistle.
A CHANCE TO KICK ON
Up to seventh in the table, Ten Hag's men can take plenty of confidence from an action-packed evening in Wolverhampton. With West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton Town to come, there is an opportunity for this result to act as a springboard. Several players have now returned from long-term lay-offs and we know Erik recognises the chance before us to recreate some of last season's form.
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