Raphael Varane scored the winner 14 minutes from time as Manchester United gained a fortunate win against Wolves in their opening game of the new Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag’s side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.
The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.
It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week’s change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O’Neil’s first game in charge.
O’Neil was booked for his protests in claiming for a late penalty as United clung on for a fortunate victory.
United’s debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana avoided punishment in added time for charging into Sasa Kalajdzic as he clattered into the Wolves striker when he came for a cross without making contact with the ball.
Matheus Cunha should have given Wolves the lead before then as Pablo Sarabia’s low cross found him unmarked just beyond the far post but despite steadying himself, the Brazilian hit the outside of the upright.
Cunha fizzed a low shot wide just before the break and Pedro Neto fired straight at Onana before Varane’s decisive effort while Fabio Silva had two goal-bound efforts saved as Wolves pressed for an equaliser.
Sir Alex says United need Hojlund fit
In the build-up to the game US broadcaster NBC was given a pitch side interview with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary United boss praised the work Ten Hag is doing and said the situation for his old club would improve markedly once £72m forward Rasmus Hojlund has recovered from the back injury he arrived from Atalanta with.
Not long afterwards, Hojlund took his seat alongside Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans at the back of the directors’ box.
Sir Alex’s words were given added credence when the game started as Marcus Rashford failed to make any impact as the main striker and Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were equally muted on the flanks.
Perhaps it should not have been a surprise given in 11 meetings over the past four years only twice have these two sides managed to produce more than a single goal between them.
Wolves fans will feel they should have been awarded a late penalty.
United’s other new outfield recruit Mason Mount also failed to make an impact and in a game where so much of their offensive play was average, Fernandes’ inspired pass to create the goal stood out.
The Old Trafford crowd do have a new hero in Onana though. The Cameroon keeper produced a conservative performance with the ball at his feet and did not venture too far from his goal when the home side pressed forward.
However, the saves he made were important and the reception the former Ajax and Inter Milan man received from the stands indicated the home fans are very much on his side.
