Manchester United secured a spirited 1-0 victory away against Wolves today, moving them up to fourth place in the Premier League standings.
Ten Hag’s team would have the best opportunity to score first in the first half, but Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa made a great save to his left to stop the energetic Alejandro Garnacho from scoring after the young Argentinean had been put through on goal.
Just before the hour mark, Wolves captain Ruben Neves hit a stunning 30-yard free kick that forced David De Gea to make a full-length stop.
Marcus Rashford, who was in fine form for United, was unexpectedly benched for what Ten Hag referred to as “internal disciplinary” reasons, but the academy graduate entered the game at halftime and ultimately made the difference between the two sides.
The 25-year-old England international cut in from the left in the 76th minute, played a one-two with Bruno Fernandes, and then, after displaying incredible strength and calm, smashed a low shot between Sa’s legs to seal the victory for his team.
After the game, United manager Ten Hag admitted that he was disappointed with his team’s first-half performance but thrilled with the work of Rashford and Fred, who were sent on as replacements.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the Dutch boss said:
It’s good after the decision, Rashford came in. He was bright, he was lively and he scored a goal to give a good reaction. Everyone has to adhere to the rules and if you react like this, it is the right answer.
“We were not that good in the first half. In my opinion the second half was better. Fred was winning second balls and linking play when he came on.”
“In the first half, you analyse the game but sometimes things do not work as expected. Wolves did not create many chances and we did but you have to be sharp.”
“I was not happy at half time and I told them with this attitude they will not win this game and everyone had to give 10% more.”
Rashford has been in scintillating form this season. He has scored six goals in 16 league games, and this is a good sign for Ten Hag. The English forward provided a perfect response to his exclusion, and his presence will be crucial in January.
United will face Manchester City and Arsenal in January, and Rashford’s form will be crucial.
