Match Report: Wolves 0 Man Utd 1

FIRST HALF – WOLVES UP FOR THE FIGHT

An electric atmosphere inside the ground was met with a blistering start to the match and, within the opening minutes, Jadon Sancho was driving at the Wolves defence. However, after a turnover in the area following an interchange with Daniel James, danger man Adama Traore was away on one of his trademark runs on a threatening counter attack. He played the ball in to Raul Jimenez, but the Mexican’s tame effort was easily dealt with by David De Gea at the near post.

Another break followed soon after for the hosts and as Fred looked to cut out a pass forward, the ball dropped to Francisco Trincao who had a clear path in front of him. Bearing down on goal and unleashing a shot, he would have given his side the lead if it wasn’t for a mesmerising last ditch effort by Aaron Wan-Bissaka who slid in to clear just in time.

Completing a flurry of action in little more than the opening ten minutes of the match, Greenwood had a good chance for the Reds after picking up the ball inside the area. Sadly though, his effort was off target.

Despite a couple of dangerous breaks from Bruno Lage’s side, United had enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening stages, but that tide began to turn as the half wore on. It meant debutant Raphael Varane was perhaps having a busier first outing for the Reds than he might have wished for, but he and the rest of the defence were standing firm and that was characterised by a strong header by the Frenchman to clear a João Moutinho free-kick.

Looking to get in behind, James tried to a slide a ball into the centre, with Greenwood waiting to tap in from the six-yard box, but some good defending saw the ball turned behind for a corner. From the resulting set-play the ball was flicked clear by Wolves, but having recycled the play Luke Shaw whipped in a cross. Greenwood was among a string of United players queueing up to put the ball away, but keeper Jose Sa was off his line smartly to deal with the aerial danger.

Seven minutes before the break and United had the ball in the net when Bruno Fernandes coolly slotted home after bursting past the Wolves defence, but after tucking away the chance, he turned to see the linesman with his flag up. TV replays suggested offside was the correct decision.

Among the last action of the half, Sancho picked out Greenwood who drove into the box from the left and struck an effort that was curling away from the keeper, but narrowly away from goal too.