Manchester United travelled to the West Midlands to clash heads with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineaux Stadium earlier tonight looking to get a win to help them in their quest to finish in the top 4. The Red Devils made a dominant start to the game and took the lead in the 13th minute courtesy of Scott McTominay’s long-range goal. However, Wolves found a way back into the game just 12 minutes later through Diogo Jota’s calm finish. Both teams fought hard but went into the half-time break with nothing to split them.
Ashley Young was given his marching orders in the 57th minute which put Man United at a considerable disadvantage. Wolves capitalised on having more numbers on the pitch as they scored again in the 77th minute when Chris Smalling scored an unfortunate own goal. The match ended with the final scoreline of 2-1 in the home side’s favour.
Let’s take a look at how each Man United player performed during the match against Wolves.
GK: David De Gea – 5/10
Not the best outing for the Spanish keeper. He could have done better when trying to save Jota’s goal. De Gea should have been more dominant inside his own box when Jonny’s cross came in which led to Smalling’s own goal.
CB: Ashley Young – 3/10
The English talent was played out of position as a makeshift centre-back, and it cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer big time as the gamble didn’t pay off. He played Jota onside in the lead up to Wolves’ first goal and got sent off for picking up two unnecessary yellow cards.
CB: Chris Smalling – 5/10
The English defender tried his best to keep the Wolves attackers at bay but ended up scoring an unfortunate own goal which made the difference on the night.
CB: Victor Lindelöf – 5/10
He worked hard and defended valiantly when Man United went down to 10 men. Unfortunately, his return from injury didn’t end in a happy note tonight.
RM: Diogo Dalot – 4/10
The youngster played some inviting crosses in the first half but his effect on the game faded later on in the match.
CM: Scott McTominay – 5.5/10
The Red Devils midfielder scored with a fine strike in the first half. However, he should have done better with his attempt in the second half.
CM: Fred – 4/10
His mistake in the first half put Man United in a lot of trouble as Wolves broke fast and scored the equaliser. He was rightfully subbed in place of Phil Jones after the visitors went down to 10 men.
CM: Paul Pogba – 3/10
The French midfielder was poor on the night as he was caught ball-watching on quite a few occasions which won’t please his manager. Another dismal showing from him in a Man United shirt.
LM: Luke Shaw – 4/10
He found it difficult to track back in his own half as he was playing so high up the pitch. Shaw ended up getting cautioned which means that he won’t be available for the next two Premier League matches.
CAM: Jesse Lingard – 4/10
The English sensation got a great chance to put some daylight between the two teams when the scoreline was 1-0. However, his tame header was easily read by Rui Patricio. He needs to improve and be more productive in the final third.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 4/10
The Belgian centre-forward didn’t have his shooting boots on as he wasted quite a few decent opportunities during the game.
Substitutes:
Phil Jones – 5/10
He didn’t do enough in the lead up to Smalling’s own goal.
ST: Anthony Martial – 4/10
The French forward was not able to make a positive impact on the pitch.
CM: Andreas Pereira – N/A
Not enough time to influence the game.
