Manchester United moved into sixth place in the Premier League with a 4-1 win over bottom-placed Wolves at Molineux on Monday night, one point off fourth place. Bruno Fernandes slipped before taking the shot, but he pushed home a late goal to give United a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. However, Wolves scored their first goal in the 540th minute of the Premier League. This means United have only kept one clean sheet in the top flight this season, despite using their back five effectively.
Jean-Richner Bellegarde equalized for the hosts, but the Red Devils hit back six minutes into the second half with Brian Mbeumo scoring his sixth league goal of the season. Wolves once again threatened to equalize before Mason Mount scored the decisive third goal with a stylish finish. A handball by Wolves allowed Fernandes to score twice from the penalty spot, sealing a fantastic victory. Express Sport rates and predicts the Red Devils…
Evaluation of Manchester United’s players against Wolves
Senne Ramens – 6
He didn’t have a single shot on target until the goal, but the goal was too far into the bottom corner for the Belgian to reach. Other than conceding goals, he hasn’t been tested much.
Luke Shaw – 7
A great challenge in the first half to win the ball and pull United away on the counter was a highlight. He then made a top tackle to recover the ball and score his second goal.
Aiden Heaven – 6
He acted as the center of a back three and performed well despite United conceding goals. Being a 19-year-old center back in the Premier League is never easy.
Nusar Mazrawi – 6
As Wolves piled on the pressure around the hour mark, they produced an important header and clearance inside the box. If the Wolves had won 2-2 there, it might have been a different game.
Diogo Dalot – 7
He should have scored his second goal in as many games within just seven minutes, but could have done more to stop the cross before Wolves equalized. But he set up United’s second goal with some great runs and passes, and overall they were much better attackingly.
Bruno Fernandes – 10
A nice quick free-kick set up Dalot’s early chance, and the captain recovered well from the slip to make it 1-0 with an impromptu finish from a prone position. He also had a chance in the first half with a great pass to keep Mbeumo away, helping Mbeumo start his move towards goal. He picked out Mount for the decisive third goal with a great cross and another shot nearly found Matheus Cunha. Class penalty for the second time. Everything that United did well was done through him and he could have contributed to four, five or more goals. What a player.
Casemiro – 6
He won the ball back from Andre before Fernandes’ opener and was in a good position to clear a dangerous cross in the first half. Another good shift.
Amad Diallo – 5
They looked threatening when carrying the ball forward, but they lost David Moeller-Wolf before pulling the ball back as they were asleep aiming at the Wolves goal. In one attack, he passed to Mount and was supposed to take a shot, but he was guilty of poor decision-making. His shot led to a penalty, but it wasn’t until the final stages that he really reached his level.
Matheus Cunha – 7
He set up Fernandes’ goal with a great unselfish play and denied his own goal with a goal-line block after a great flick in the build-up. He assisted Mbeumo’s goal with a perfect through ball to Dalot and made a good save with a header from close range. He took eight shots and didn’t score, but on the bright side he really contributed.
Brian Mbeumo – 7
Sam Johnston saved a one-on-one before the half-hour mark, but was booked for a late tackle after handing the ball over. A simple finish made it 2-1 and put him back on the scoresheet.
Mason Mount – 8
Operated as a false nine, following a smart run into space produced a veteran No. 9 finish at the one-hour mark. He had great technique and made some great passes elsewhere, giving United’s attack a boost. He completed 27 of 28 passes. It’s a really good performance.
substitute
Lisandro Martinez (Heaven 69) – 6
This is only his third appearance in the Premier League this season, but he has played the most minutes in a single game so far. He cleared the ball well with a header in stoppage time.
Lenny Yolo (Mazraoui 69) – 6
The Wolves were beaten enough by the time he came along, but he didn’t have much to do with it.
Coby Mainu (Casemiro 78) – N/A
There was a huge cheer when he appeared.
Joshua Zirkzee (Mount 84) – N/A
His chant of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” was featured in several performances. I made a reservation.
Patrick Dorg (Dalot 84) – N/A
A few minutes on the legs.
