Manchester United arrived at Molineux with a much changed team full of youth and experience. It didn’t take them long to find their rhythm and after 13 minutes they took the lead. Daniel James put in a wicked cross and it was met by the head of debutant Anthony Elanga. The 19 year old looked delighted and rightly so.
United were playing some good stuff and looked dangerous every time they came forward with the home side struggling to cope with the pace of Diallo and Daniel James. Wolves felt their way back into the game with both Silva and Traore looking lively. Traore was causing all sorts of problems for Alex Telles and on a number of occasions the United left back had one sometimes two players helping him out. But the pacey Spaniard would have his evening cut short. He was replaced by Willian Jose on the 27th minute.
The Wolves pressure was growing and on the 39th minute they drew level. After some good work by Fabio Silva, Nelson Semedo swept the ball home for his first goal for Wolves. A slip by Nemanja Matic had lead to the goal. None the less Wolves were level and the fans back inside Molineux had something to cheer.
No sooner had Wolves drew level they found themselves 2-1 down. On the stroke of half time Donny van de Beek, who was having an excellent game was brought down by Roman Saiss. Originally Mike Dean didn’t point to the spot but after a VAR check he changed his mind. Juan Mata stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty and once again Wolves were behind. HT
Wolves started the second half in much livelier fashion. Silva, Neves and Ait Nouri were all causing United problems. Henderson had been a spectator for most parts but had to be alert to keep out a Willian Jose header early in the second half. Moments later Neves set his sights from distance but his effort flew just wide. The pressure was growing from the home side but they couldn’t find a way through.
United hadn’t got going but out of almost nothing they nearly added a third. Diallo played in Daniel James with a wonderful pass but the Welshman fluffed his lines. It was a great chance and he really should of scored. Wolves were on top and had limited United to just that one chance so far in the second half. The home side were giving it a real go. Time and again they’d got into promising position’s but they lacked quality when it really mattered. Morgan Gibbs-White evident of that when he’d worked a good shooting opportunity only to drag his shot wide.
As the game approached the final few minutes Solskjaer introduced youngsters Hannibal Mejbri and Shola Shoretire. This was Hannibal’s first team debut but for the short time he was on the pitch he looked very comfortable and assured. In added on time Solskjaer sent on another youth product in the shape of William Fish. Like Hannibal and Anthony Elanga, the 18 year old was making his first team debut.
United held on for the 3 points to seal their first win at Molineux since 2012. With avoiding defeat it meant Solskjaer’s side had gone the whole Premier League season unbeaten away from home. Their current run stands at 26 games with only Arsenal ahead of them on 27. It’s a remarkable achievement and even more so for the fact they’ve had to come from behind on a number of occasions.
