Five things noticed – Wolves 3-4 Manchester United (Premier League)

Manchester United left it late as Kobbie Mainoo’s 97th-minute winner made sure Erik ten Hag’s men grabbed all three points away from home.

With Manchester United in desperate need of points, Erik ten Hag opted to start Marcus Rashford, and the player immediately delivered, scoring within the first five minutes with a wonderful goal.

Rasmus Højlund then chipped in with a second, and The Reds pretty much dominated the proceedings in the first half.

Read More: Player Ratings – Wolves 3-4 Manchester United (Premier League)

The second half saw United continue to dominate, but Casemiro’s foul on Neto in the 70th minute in the area saw Pablo Sarabia equalise from the spot – although the foul itself was a contentious decision.

Scott McTominay, who has been the hero so often this season, came off the bench to head in United’s third of the night, but that was only until Alexander Kilman was able to guide one home from close range with just five minutes to play.

#1 – Rashford’s reply

It could not have started better for Marcus Rashford after all the news surrounding him in the last week.

His finish from the edge of the area at the beginning of the first half really set the tone, with United thoroughly dominating proceedings in the opening 45 minutes – and his involvement in Højlund’s finish should not go unnoticed, either.

He continued to play well, with the overall performance against Wolves being one of the best this season and also one that was much needed.

#2 – Højlund is finally firing

Rasmus Højlund now has six goal involvements in his last five appearances, with four goals and two assists.

After a poor start to life in domestic competition, Højlund really started to come into his own around the turn of 2024, becoming much more confident in his decision-making, his striking, and his movement.

What must also be noted is he was relentless with his pressure on the Wolves back line and goalkeeper, which caused the midlands side to remain unsettled.

#3 – Lisandro Martínez was brilliant

Lisandro Martínez started his first Premier League fixture since September with his appearance against Wolves, and he was absolutely essential once again to United’s defence.

From clutch tackles to a fantastic goalline clearance, Martínez was able to immediately reinstate himself as the controller, and United’s defence collapsed once he was substituted. His impact is almost too obvious.

#4 – Old habits still showing

Despite United’s dominance in the opening 70 minutes, they failed to put the game to bed, allowing Wolves multiple chances to claw their way back into the game while failing to convert their own.

And, with Wolves converting their penalty, United could have let themselves unwind, but Scott McTominay’s goal with just under 15 minutes to go helped position United for the win, but two goals in the final stages of the game saw United throw away two points… if it wasn’t for Kobbie Mainoo.

#5 – Superstar in the making.

The audacity of Mainoo to score such a beautiful goal in the 90+7th minute is just further evidence that the world is quite literally at his feet.

It was a moment produced that some have seen many, many times in the academy, but now Mainoo is starting to show his talent on the world stage.