Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Orme

Man Utd edge towards top-four spot as Wolves downed at Old Trafford - 5 talking points

Manchester United took a huge step towards a Champions League spot with a 2-0 victory over Wolves at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils dominated large swaths of the first half but took until just after the half-hour mark to take the lead. Anthony Martial was on hand to tap home Antony's low cross to earn a first-half advantage.

Chances came and went for the hosts only for Wolves debutant Daniel Bentley to continually frustrate them. Alejandro Garnacho sealed victory in stoppage time as he rounded off a lethal counter-attack.

Here are all of the talking points from Old Trafford:

Antony spurns golden chances

Even before the Red Devils had claimed the lead against Wolves, they had wasted two golden opportunities - both of them falling to Brazilian winger Antony.

The former Ajax man had initially curled an effort narrowly wide as he attempted to profit from a Wolves mistake. He then somehow lifted a header high over the bar at the far post after latching onto a cross from Luke Shaw.

Given his finishing - or lack thereof - it is no surprise to note that he has just four Premier League goals to his name so far this term. Erik ten Hag will be keen to see that improve both before the end of the season and next term.

Antony wasted a golden opportunity to give Man United the lead against Wolves (Getty Images)

Who was your man-of-the-match in Man United's win against Wolves? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Martial sends message

Whilst the Brazilian was guilty of wasting a host of wonderful opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet, he at least showed great awareness for United's opening goal. Following a rapid break, he teed up Martial for a tap-in.

The strike signalled the Frenchman's eighth goal of the campaign and just his second in the Premier League since September. With plenty of talk surrounding a potential new striker arriving at Old Trafford this summer, Martial will be doing all he can to revive his Red Devils' career.

A few more goalscoring displays between now and the end of the season will certainly go some way in ensuring he remains in Ten Hag's plans.

Bentley enjoys impressive debut

Goalkeeper Daniel Bentley signed for Wolves back in January but had thus far been limited to a supporting role. Amid criticism for regular number one Jose Sa, the former Bristol City man was afforded his first chance to impress at Old Trafford.

He certainly did that. The 29-year-old produced a total of eight saves throughout what was both his Wolves and Premier League debut. One stop, in particular, was eye-catching as he produced an excellent save to deny Jadon Sancho.

Whilst his team were on the losing side, Bentley will certainly be satisfied to have caught the eye on his Wolves bow.

Daniel Bentley made his full Wolves debut against Man United (Getty Images)

Red Devils receive injury boosts

With just a clutch of fixtures left to go for the campaign, the Red Devils will be aiming to finish strongly. That task will be assisted by a clutch of their injury absentees returning.

After sitting out the last seven Premier League games, French defender Raphael Varane was handed a spot straight back into the starting line-up. He did not put a foot wrong on his return.

In the meantime, forward Alejandro Garnacho also made his return after a long lay-off. The young striker was given a rapturous reception as he came onto the pitch and even had time to find the net. He will be aiming to pay back that faith over the closing weeks of the campaign - especially if he does not join the Argentina squad for the under-20 World Cup.

Solskjaer makes emotional return

On the topic of returns, a former Man United manager in the stands at Old Trafford is certainly not a bizarre sight. Legendary ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a regular spectator.

Fellow former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also spotted at his former stomping ground against Wolves. Interestingly, it was his first return to Old Trafford since being sacked by the Red Devils in favour of Ralf Rangnick 18 months ago.

It appears that no love has been lost for the Norwegian though with supporters inside the ground giving him a warm welcome and serenading him with a chant before kick-off.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.