MAINOO MAGIC
Manchester United seals a late win against Wolves in a seven-goal thriller.
It was a fast start for Manchester United as Marcus Rashford opened the face of his boot to rattle the net with a brilliant first-time finish in the fifth minute. While Wolves created the occasional attacking chances, United’s defence held firm and it wasn’t long before the Red Devils doubled its lead, courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund in the 22nd minute with a slick finish, in a move that saw him combine with Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford and Luke Shaw.
Enjoying a healthy 2-0 lead at half-time, it seemed like it would be an easy day at the office for Erik Ten Hag and his men.
However, Wolves won a penalty in the 68th minute after Pedro Neto was tripped inside the box. Pablo Sarabia converted the spot-kick, sending Andre Onana the wrong way.
A one-goal lead is always nervy, and there were some concerned looks among the United faithful. But that changed when second-half substitute Scott Mctominay made a late dash at the near post to convert a Bruno Fernandes cross from a United corner. 3-1 up in the 75th minute, and Manchester United was breathing easy again.
But, when it is a Premier League classic, the script is bound to throw late twists.
In the 85th minute, Max Kilman took advantage of a scramble in the United box and tapped the ball home from close range, with Onana being helpless to stop the shot.
Harry Maguire and Johny Evans were brought in late to add to the defensive solidity. But, Ten Hag’s option to play it safe backfired.
In the fifth minute of added time, United was caught out of possession and Wolves launched a counter-attack. Matheus Cunha spread the ball to Pedro Neto, who kept his composure to cut inside Shaw and squeezed the ball at the near-post to make it 3-3.
With the roof coming down at the Molineux and just four minutes of play left, Omari Forson passed the ball to Kobbie Mainoo, who went on a talismanic run past three Wolves players.
Once inside the box, he matched his astute dribbling skills with an equally beautiful finish as he went for a low curler at the far-post.
Jose Sa dived at full stretch but could not get a hand to it as the ball rippled the net to make it 4-3 in United’s favour.
Aneesh Dey & Pranay Rajiv