Manchester United 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Player ratings & Man of the Match as Red Devils kick off 2022

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match of 2022, ending Ralf Rangnick’s unbeaten start to life at Old Trafford.

It was Joao Moutinho who netted the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute, as his shot from the edge of the box went past an unsighted David De Gea.

The Midlands club were worthy of the three points, as they dominated the first half and dealt with the United pressure that came in the second period.

It’s a result that leaves the Red Devils seventh in the league table as they reach the halfway point of the campaign.

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea- 7

United’s player of the season to date had another busy night at Old Trafford. He made four brilliant first-half saves, including a full-length sprawl to keep out Ruben Neves’ dipping effort.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 6 (off 84)

Is definitely getting forward more under Rangnick, and the defender put in two dangerous crosses in the first period, although his balls into the box in the second half were less threatening. Wan-Bissaka seemed to operate as a wing-back after half-time, but didn’t contribute much from an attacking sense.

Raphael Varane- 6

Hasn’t hit top form since returning from injury, but the former Real Madrid man didn’t look out of place against Wolves. He put in a great tackle to deny Raul Jimenez a shooting chance around the hour mark, while he halted a dangerous Daniel Podence run in the box with a well-timed foot in.

Phil Jones- 7

Playing his first United game in nearly two years, the 29-year-old was good at the back. He put in several important tackles and interceptions, many of which drew a loud cheer from the appreciative home crowd. Probably United’s best outfield performer, although his headed clearance did lead to Moutinho’s match-winning goal.

Luke Shaw- 5

Got vital touches to crosses to twice deny Jimenez shooting opportunities. The defender played some threatening long passes in behind the Wolves defence, but in general didn’t offer much going forward.

Scott McTominay- 5

After his barnstorming performance against Burnley, this was much less impressive. The Scotland international struggled to get to grips with the passing of Neves and Moutinho, and he lacked dynamism in the middle. The introduction of Bruno Fernandes helped him, and allowed more room for McTominay to push forward.

Nemanja Matic- 5

He played the ball into the box from which Fernandes hit the bar, and like McTominay, improved with Fernandes came on. The 33-year-old struggles with pace and fluidity from the opposition, as again shown on Monday.

Mason Greenwood- 6 (off 60)

Looked more lively than his team-mates in the first period and took up a more central position after the break. The decision to replace the youngster on the hour mark was not well received well by the home faithful.

Jadon Sancho- 5 (off 75)

Dropped into a deeper wing-back roll as the game continued but the wideman failed to have a significant impact on the game. Sancho fluffed a breakaway chance early on and was taken off with 15 minutes remaining.

Edinson Cavani- 5

Unlike in recent performances, Cavani demonstrated some clunky, awkward touches which limited United’s offensive output. He should have slipped the ball to Greenwood in the first period, but opted to shoot from distance.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 5

Scored a header that was ruled offside on 68 minutes and Ronaldo tended to push higher up the pitch. Was quiet in the first half but saw more of the ball after the break on a night where he captained the Red Devils.

Bruno Fernandes-7 (on 60)

Injected some much needed verve into the Red Devils after he came on, and hit the bar with a powerful strike. Fernandes played some good balls in behind but didn’t produce a match-changing moment. His injury-time free-kick was kept out by a fantastic save from Jose Sa.

Marcus Rashford- 5 (on 75)

Didn’t have long on the pitch and didn’t make much of an impact. The England international tried to look forward with his passes but overhit when United had a decent opportunity to counter.

Anthony Elanga (on 84)

Wolves player ratings

Sa 7; Kilman 7, Coady 7, Saiss 8; Semedo 8, Neves 8, Moutinho 8, Marcal 6; Trincao 6 (Traore 66;7), Jimenez 6 (Silva 82), Podence 7 (Dendoncker 88).

Man of the Match

There was no standout performer for Wolves, although Moutinho just takes it for his match-winning strike. The midfielder also pulled the strings in the first half, even if his impact waned in the second period.