Old Trafford saw the return of competitive football as Manchester United faced Wolves in the opening match of the 2023-24 league season.
The clash marked Erik ten Hag’s encounter with Gary O’Neil, who made his managerial debut as the youngest Wolves manager of this century.
United entered the season with high expectations, bolstered by the recent signings of André Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund in the summer transfer window.
Many believed that starting the new season with anything less than a comfortable victory would have been considered subpar for the Red Devils.
Under Gary O’Neil’s management, the Wolves showed early signs of brightness in the game, showing an inclination to push players forward during transitions and into the attacking third.
Ten Hag has told Mount and Garnacho to move higher up from goal kicks. Mount hasn't hit the ground running so far and nor has Antony, who's played the wrong pass on two occasions. Garnacho freer than Rashford for the counter-attack. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 14, 2023
This strategy capitalized on the quality present in their forward lineup. However, it was United who came close to scoring first around the ten-minute mark.
Marcus Rashford received a pass from Antony, finding himself in the penalty area through the right half-space, but his shot was expertly saved by Jose Sá.
Wolves continued to demonstrate their prowess in transitions and counterattacks in the 27th minute.
Matheus Cunha initiated a powerful run from his half, dribbling through midfield and evading three defenders before setting up Matheus Nunes for a shot on André Onana’s goal. Unfortunately for Wolves, Nunes’ attempt was deflected wide of the target.
O’Neil’s team came agonizingly close to scoring once more just seven minutes later, with Cunha playing a crucial role in another break into the final third.
Nunes set up Cunha and he squandered the opportunity by sending his shot wide when he should have at least tested Onana.
Man United had appeals for a handball denied by referee Simon Hooper three minutes after that, as Marcus Rashford’s header, directed towards the goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross, struck Semedo’s arm.
However, the contact was considered incidental, with Semedo unable to avoid the ball hitting his arm.
Penalty or no penalty? 🤔 #MUNWOL pic.twitter.com/91cL4ij5t7
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 14, 2023
Last-minute defensive efforts by Max Kilman spared the Wolves from potential embarrassment. This occurred after they lost possession in their third of the pitch.
Rashford smartly positioned himself in the penalty area, but his shot was blocked just as he was likely to beat Sá with sheer power. The subsequent corner yielded no results, and both teams headed to their respective locker rooms at halftime.
Ten Hag made halftime changes, substituting Lisandro Martínez with Swedish international defender Victor Lindelöf, as Martínez was at risk of receiving a second booking before the game concluded.
However, it was Wolves who came close to scoring again. Nunes surged 60 meters from his half into the United third, delivering a shot that also served as a cross across the goalmouth.
Sarabia deflected it to Cunha, but the Brazilian somehow missed an open near post and instead hit the crossbar.
Cunha once more advanced from midfield and approached within 20 yards of the goal, but his bending shot was comfortably saved by Onana, causing concern among all corners of the Theatre of Dreams.
Ten Hag introduced two more changes with a little over 20 minutes remaining. He brought on Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho in place of debutant Mason Mount and youngster Alejandro Garnacho, aiming to inject creativity into a match where United was lacking.
However, once again, Wolves appeared to be the stronger side. Despite Sancho immediately making an impact by entering the area, a poor pass by Antony allowed Wolves to counter through Cunha.
The ball eventually found its way to second-half substitute Hwang Hee-Chan, whose shot reached Neto, but the Portuguese forward’s attempt was directed straight at a thankful Onana.
In a storyline that has played out repeatedly over many years of Premier League football, United managed to secure a lead they might not have deserved.
Bruno Fernandes set up Aaron Wan-Bissaka down the right channel, whose lofted cross found Raphael Varane’s head for a goal against José Sá with just fourteen minutes left.
This angle of @RaphaelVarane's celebration >>>#MUFC || #MUNWOL pic.twitter.com/aoKcWGczXc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 14, 2023
Despite United’s lead, Wolves persisted in their attacking efforts, with Onana saving two near-post attempts from substitute Fábio Silva in quick succession during the final ten minutes.
In the dying moments of the match, Onana’s attempt to claim a cross led to him missing the ball and inadvertently punching Kalajdžić in the face.
VAR reviewed the incident but shockingly did not award Wolves a deserved penalty. United emerged with a 1-0 victory that appeared favourable on the surface, yet the post-game analysis will likely focus on their lacklustre performance.
The Red Devils’ showing could have resulted in a comfortable win for Wolves if the latter had capitalized on their chances.
The boss was pleased with our new goalkeeper's debut! 🙌#MUFC || #MUNWOL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 15, 2023
Despite the win, United’s performance was subpar, and there’s ample time for improvement on the field. Nevertheless, it wasn’t the start that Ten Hag would have hoped for.
For Wolves, the outcome is undeniably heartbreaking. They deserved, at the very least, a draw and arguably should have been victorious.
O’Neil deserves significant credit for uniting a team that many expected to contend near the relegation zone. Based on this display, Wolves will likely secure wins throughout the season, provided they find their scoring form.
