Manchester United moved up to fourth place on New Year’s Eve thanks to a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to grab the winner in the second half, in a game light on goalmouth action throughout the afternoon.
The first half was a tight affair, with both sides keeping their shape well out of possession. United created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Alejandro Garnacho going closest as he latched onto an underhit Nelson Semedo backpass which presented him with a one-on-one chance against Jose Sa - although the goalkeeper did well to come flying out of his goal and smoother the shooting angle.
The Portuguese stopper also kept out Casemiro’s deflected header, an Antony shot that ricocheted on target, plus an Antony header inside the box. As for Wolves, their best chance of the first period came from a Diego Costa shot which was comfortably held by David de Gea.
The second half was an even duller affair, with Ruben Neves forcing David de Gea into a sprawling save to keep out an excellent Ruben Neves free-kick, while Wolves’ good defending saw them block several United efforts.
That was until Rashford broke the deadlock late on. The attacker, who was dropped pre-match for disciplinary issues, picked up the ball at the corner of the box, played a one-two with Bruno Fernandes before advancing into the box and squeezing a shot through a pile of bodies and into the back of the net.
Rashford did net again, although it was ruled out after a VAR check as the last contact inadvertently came off his hand. Bruno Fernandes had a late chance, although it was Wolves who pushed to try and find an equaliser in injury-time, with De Gea keeping out Raul Jimenez’s header in the dying embers.
Here’s how we rated the players...
9. Bruno Fernandes- 6 (off 90+3)
Set up Rashford’s goal, although many of his early attempts to find a way through Wolves’ backline proved unsuccessful. He was, however, always looking to find a game-changing pass.
10. Alejandro Garnacho- 6
Should have taken the early chance which was saved by Sa and was lively down the left wing without having any real end product.
11. Anthony Martial- 4 (off 81)
One of those days again for Martial, who didn’t show enough energy. The striker didn’t have any major chances that weren’t either blocked or offside.
12. Marcus Rashford- 7 (on 46)
Was quiet up until the goal, but provided a moment of class to hand United all three points. From then on, Rashford grew in confidence and looked more threatening with his runs in behind.