Wolves 0-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings As Ten Hag’s Side Enter Top-Four

Wolves made the Red Devils work for all three points in Julen Lopetegui’s first home Premier League game.

A scratchy first-half performance from both sides forced both Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag to look at their respective benches during the break to find some joy going forward.

The latter’s substitution worked wonders, as Marcus Rashford found a breakthrough goal in the 76th minute, and had his second disallowed for handball minutes later. Wolves created some chances late in the game, but the visitors did enough to win and climb into the top four.

Here’s how every player in red rated at Molineux.

David de Gea – 7.5

Denied Raul Jimenez’s header in stoppage time to keep United’s lead. A well-earned clean sheet.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6.5

Solid in the defensive third but offered little at the other end.

Raphael Varane – 7.5

Led the backline brilliantly once again in the absence of a recognised centre-back partner. Displayed excellent game awareness by attempting to block Jose Sa’s line of sight when the goalkeeper was setting up his wall before a free-kick in the second half.

Luke Shaw – 8.0

The Englishman is loving life in the heart of the defence. The best centre-back on the pitch both in and out of possession in Wolverhampton on Saturday afternoon.

Tyrell Malacia – 7.5

Played some good long balls and was tenacious in his attempts to recover the ball.

Casemiro – 6.5

Made multiple fouls to thwart counter-attacks from the hosts and was eventually booked for one of them. Smart.

Christian Eriksen – 5.0

Wasn’t as effective as usual in possession today as United struggled to control the game.

Antony – 5.0

Another game where he could’ve bagged a goal or two with better decision-making.

Bruno Fernandes – 5.5

Didn’t manage too many touches in good areas, but still got an assist. Creator.

Alejandro Garnacho – 4.5

Electric in the first half, but he needs to work on his finishing as well.

Anthony Martial – 5.0

Good hold-up play, but didn’t show much desire to get on the end of the chances.

 

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford – 8.5

Was put on the bench by the manager because he overslept. Made good use of the conserved energy by blowing away the Wolves defence.

Fred – 6.5

Replaced Eriksen at the hour mark and impacted the game through his energy and enthusiasm with and without the ball.

Donny van de Beek – N/A

Harry Maguire – N/A

Anthony Elanga – N/A