FT: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves LIVE Premier League Match Coverage, Latest Goals & Updates

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Manchester United finds themselves in a precarious position in their quest for Champions League qualification as they prepare to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

Following consecutive defeats to Brighton and West Ham, coupled with Liverpool’s remarkable winning streak, Erik ten Hag’s team is under increasing pressure and faces a genuine threat of being overtaken by their fierce rivals in the league standings.

With the Reds hot on their heels and a crucial game in hand, United cannot afford any further setbacks. The absence of Marcus Rashford through injury compounds the challenge, making the return of Raphael Varane a much-needed boost.

United’s Desperation for a Positive Result

Having occupied fourth place for a significant portion of the season, Manchester United’s grip on a Champions League spot is now slipping.

The recent losses to Brighton and West Ham have exposed vulnerabilities in the team’s performance, raising concerns among fans and amplifying the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

With Liverpool breathing down their necks, United must rally and find a way to secure a victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The significance of their game in hand cannot be understated. United’s ability to claim three points will not only boost their chances of Champions League qualification but also provide a psychological advantage over Liverpool.

However, any slip-up in their remaining matches could prove costly, with the Reds nipping at their heels.

The absence of Marcus Rashford compounds United’s woes. The dynamic forward has been a vital source of goals and creativity throughout the season.

His injury places a heavier burden on the rest of the team to step up and fill the void. However, the return of Raphael Varane after a month-long absence brings a glimmer of hope.

The French defender’s presence adds stability to the backline and provides an opportunity for United to regain their defensive solidity.

Avoiding a Tricky Run of Form

Manchester United’s recent defeats have exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for consistency in their performances.

Avoiding a third straight Premier League loss is crucial for Ten Hag’s side, as it would not only restore confidence but also prevent a potentially damaging run of poor results.

The last time United suffered three consecutive league defeats was back in 2015, and they will be determined to avoid a repeat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite securing their top-flight safety, will be no pushovers. Their surprise victory over Aston Villa showcased their resilience and ability to spring surprises.

United must be cautious and not underestimate their opponents, especially considering Wolves’ desire to improve their poor away form.

Manchester United Team News:

📋 Three changes for today’s starting XI…

➡️ Varane, Martial, Sancho
⬅️ Malacia, Weghorst, Rashford#MUFC || #MUNWOL

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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 13, 2023

Wolves Team News:

#MUNWOL pic.twitter.com/92wAhfYF42

— Wolves (@Wolves) May 13, 2023

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Kick Off in 5 Mins

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KICK-OFF

Underway at Old Trafford!

Manchester United have not lost three successive Premier League matches since the Louis van Gaal era in December 2015.

They need a win today with Liverpool piling on the pressure in the race for fourth place and Champions League qualification.

Wolves are now safe from relegation, so can play with a bit of freedom this afternoon.

2 mins:A solid start from United, who are dominating possession already and forcing Wolves quickly onto the defensive.

Antony is looking to breach their resolve early, along with the busy Bruno Fernandes.

3 mins:United are looking to the flanks early, switching well out to Antony as the Brazilian builds up a head of steam and is thwarted by a fine interception from Ruben Neves.

United are in their familiar red home strips this afternoon with white shorts and black socks, with Wolves donning their patterned all-grey third kit.

6 mins:The first shot in anger of the afternoon comes from Christian Eriksen, who picks up a great pocket of space beyond Neves after a squared pass that followed a United throw-in.

However, the Dane’s ambitious drive is wild and hurtles high into the stands.

That was never testing Wolves debutant Bentley between the posts.

8 mins:That goes down as an early chance for Wolves as Dawson flashes a difficult volley off-target after De Gea had initially given the ball away.

It’s cheap down the other end from Wolves too as Kilman loses his footing attempting to take in a Dawson pass.

That allows in Antony, who runs at Kilman before bending a shot wide of the far post.

He should have made Bentley work there.

11 mins:Manchester United continue to dominate possession early on here, with Sancho trying a searching through ball that is crucially cut out by a grey shirt.

A pass is then overhit out to Wan-Bissaka, drawing ironic cheers from the travelling Wolves fans.

13 mins:Worrying times for Wolves as a decent cross from the left just evades the head of the leaping Martial in the middle.

Wan-Bissaka and Antony then combine to great effect on the opposite flank, getting the overload in a 2v1.

Wan-Bissaka’s cutback on the overlap, however, fails to pick out a red shirt inside the box.

Wolves scramble clear.

15 mins:The first booking of the afternoon goes to Diego Costa.

The fiery Spaniard takes a heavy touch and then scythes down Antony with a poor scissors tackle.

Definite yellow.

16 mins:Sancho is well dealt with by Matheus Nunes as United probe patiently for another opening.

Wolves are coming onto the ball just a bit more now, but with zero threat moving forward.

20 mins:So much possession for United, but they just can’t find that final ball.

Martial slips onto his backside after a mazy run to the edge of the Wolves box.

Neves leads a swift break for the visitors and Pedro Neto’s low cross from the left is seen off confidently by Varane.

22 mins:What on earth is Varane doing shooting from there? He’s miles out and that’s miles off target.

Not much movement in front of him though, to be fair. It’s all a bit sluggish from United again at the moment.

Wolves break and a sliding Lindelof takes out Nelson Semedo.

It’s just a warning for the Swede, despite Diego Costa charging about 20 yards to try and convince referee John Brooks that he deserved to join him in the book.

25 mins:Wolves have grown into the game well over the last 10 minutes or so.

They work a corner on the far side that is cleared quickly by Lindelof.

27 mins:Fernandes earns a free-kick from a clumsy Nunes, who is baffled by the decision.

It gives Bruno a great free-kick chance from more than 30 yards out to the left of the area.

The Portuguese’s fierce effort is well struck but Bentley gets across quickly and even manages to hold it.

A nice confidence boost for the Wolves debutant.

28 mins:Better from United as one hopeful shot comes off the legs of Sancho and another from Eriksen whistles narrowly past the post.

Bentley had that covered, in fairness.

29 mins:Wolves earn another corner, with the delivery intended for Toti.

It’s not cleared properly and the ball winds up with Neto, who cuts inside before floating an overhit cross out for a goal kick.

Lopetegui is furious with that on the touchline.

31 mins:Antony – having lost marker Toti – somehow heads over from mere yards out after being teed up by a superb Shaw cross.

Bentley breathes a sigh of relief in the Wolves goal – how has he not even hit the target there?

GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Wolves | Antony Martial 32′

32 mins:Now the deadlock is broken!

After missing that sitter a few moments ago, Antony now turns provider as his smart cutback is swept home emphatically by Martial for the Frenchman’s fifth Premier League goal of the season and eighth across all competitions.

Great work from Bruno Fernandes to win a tackle with Kilman in the build-up and slide in a perfect through ball for Antony.

United are off and running.

35 mins:Wolves are trying to mount a quick response before the break.

Matheus Cunha skips past the attempted challenges of Shaw and Eriksen before finally being knocked down by Casemiro.

A yellow card for the former Real Madrid midfielder.

39 mins:Patient possession and build-up play from Wolves on the edge of the United box.

Nunes tries to scoop an inventive return ball into the path of Toti, but Casemiro reads the danger magnificently – as he so often does.

The ball deflects out off Toti and it’s a goal kick for De Gea, who hasn’t had a save to make so far this afternoon.

42 mins:United earn their first corner after 42 minutes, with Matheus Cunha’s inadvertent flick going towards his own goal before having to be helped over the top awkwardly by Bentley.

43 mins:A tame Varane header is easily held by Bentley, who spots the run of Neto and has Wolves away quickly.

However, they are stopped in their tracks by a superb challenge from Shaw. Wonderfully timed by the England defender.

44 mins:Here come Wolves again on the break as Nunes and Toti combine, springing the latter free inside the United area.

But the returning Varane’s positioning is stellar again as he’s in the right place at the right time to easily repel the low cross.

46 mins:United are under a lot of pressure as we enter two minutes of first-half stoppage time.

Antony’s foul on Nunes gives Wolves the chance to deliver a dangerous free-kick into the box that is unconvincingly scrambled away by Varane.

Wolves keep up their momentum but there’s a break and Antony is away!

He beats Neto all ends up but that’s not the right pass for Martial, whose tame effort is comfortably held by Bentley.

All action heading towards the break.

47 mins:The first half at Old Trafford ends with a poor Bruno Fernandes effort that was never testing Bentley.

Half-time

Manchester United 1-0 Wolves

Martial’s eighth goal of the season has United on course for a vital win in their battle with Liverpool and quest for a top-four finish.

But Wolves have had their moments and are certainly not out of this one just yet.

Scores again.#MUFC || #MUNWOL pic.twitter.com/46fDQvHro3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 13, 2023

For all the talk of sworn enemies United and Liverpool being now embroiled in a fierce fight for fourth place, it’s worth noting that a win today takes the Red Devils level on points with Newcastle in third.

Newcastle were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by relegation-threatened Leeds at Elland Road at lunchtime.

Back underway at Old Trafford!

Can United extend their lead, or is there a Wolves fightback in the offing?

One half-time change from Wolves.

South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan is on for Pedro Neto.

48 mins:A bright start to the second half from United as Antony streams down the right flank and combines with Martial.

Dawson ends up blocking Antony’s shot behind after an initial intervention.

Wolves get the resulting corner clear.

50 mins:Sancho is a threat for United now as a long-range strike from Eriksen then crashes into the ankle of Lemina, who is down hurt.

The home fans are incensed as the referee eventually blows the whistle with their team on the ball.

Dawson has also been struggling since clattering into Martial.

52 mins:Wolves have changed their formation early in the second half, by the way.

It’s gone from a 4-4-2 of sorts to more of a 4-3-3 with Hwang on the right, Cunha left and Costa through the middle.

Nunes is in midfield with Neves and Lemina.

54 mins:Wolves had struggled to get to grips with that system change early in the second period.

However, this is much better with Hwang offering a decent spark from the right.

Neves does brilliantly to win the ball back high up the pitch and a lofted cross towards Cunha at the back post is headed away vitally by Wan-Bissaka.

Wolves have a corner which Kilman can’t steer on target.

56 mins:United are living dangerously at the moment.

There’s a wonderful flick from Nunes down the Wolves right and Nelson Semedo arrows in a delicious cross towards Costa.

Wan-Bissaka exerts just enough pressure on the former Chelsea frontman.

But Wolves are keeping their foot on the gas…

58 mins:Wolves have another corner after Varane gets his head to another searching cross into the United area.

Kilman rises again and nods down Neves’ delivery from the right, but the ball is travelling too fast for Hwang to divert goal-wards at the back post.

59 mins:United have been under the cosh but suddenly spring into life.

It’s fabulous link-up play with Fernandes and Antony, with the latter ending up pulling a low shot wide via a deflection off Lemina.

Not sure Bentley would have had that covered.

60 mins:Now it’s Wolves who are playing with fire as United counter at real pace.

There’s a meaty last-ditch challenge from Kilman on Fernandes outside the box that wipes out the Portuguese, but referee John Brooks is happy with it.

Fernandes can’t believe it. He’ll need treatment as well.

61 mins:Wolves make two more changes on the hour mark.

Lopetegui replaces Cunha and Toti with Daniel Podence and Hugo Bueno.

63 mins:That’s a terrible pass from Neves back to no one that puts Wolves under enormous pressure. What was he thinking?!

Fernandes collects it and drifts into the box, cutting inside before aiming a low shot that is repelled by the legs of Bentley.

That took a deflection through the legs of Dawson. Solid stop to keep it 1-0.

66 mins:A bit of a lull in the action now.

This is going to remain very nervy for United as long as it’s only 1-0.

Wout Weghorst is preparing to come on.

68 mins:Incisive play from United almost opens up a great chance for Martial, but Wolves scramble behind for a corner.

It’s Martial who then makes way for Weghorst.

70 mins:Wolves clear the corner and a slip from Eriksen allows the visitors to pour forward on the break.

It’s fine play from substitute Podence, who skips forward and lofts a lovely pass into the path of Hwang.

De Gea comes racing out of his box to try and snuff out the danger, not getting the ball but doing enough to knock Hwang off his stride.

Wolves end up with a corner but Hwang can’t guide a difficult header on target.

72 mins:Wolves try to set Podence free with a chipped pass into the box.

He ends up down in a heap and holding his face after Casemiro steps across him.

No penalty.

73 mins:A great save from Bentley keeps Wolves in it!

United race forward and Weghorst lays off to Sancho, who then uses the run of the Dutchman to cut inside and leave Dawson on his backside.

A fizzed effort to the front post is repelled behind by a strong hand from Bentley, whose body had been going the other way.

Excellent stop.

75 mins:Nunes flicks a dangerous Eriksen free-kick behind for a United corner.

Wolves have replaced Lemina with Adama Traore for the final 15 minutes.

An attacking switch, though Lemina had been struggling after blocking that Eriksen drive.

76 mins:Two corners in quick succession for United, the first headed behind by Kilman and the second delivered far too close to Bentley, who confidently plucks it out of the air.

77 mins:Hwang is down after being accidentally caught by Lindelof.

Wolves now swap Diego Costa with Raul Jimenez, who has not played for almost two months.

He’s been out of favo

80 mins:Sloppy from Wolves as they can’t take advantage of the nervy atmosphere around Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is replacing Varane and Eriksen now.

On come Harry Maguire and Fred.

82 mins:A spinning first-time effort from Casemiro is hit into the ground and then loops awkwardly towards the feet of Bentley, who adjusts well to push the ball around the post.

Weghorst then powers a header off-target from the resulting corner

85 mins:It’s end-to-end stuff at Old Trafford as Wolves break and Traore gets beyond Shaw to the byline.

He thunders a cross towards Jimenez at the front post, but it’s turned behind well by Maguire.

Wolves fans want a penalty for handball, but that hit his midriff. Nothing given by the referee and VAR check is over.

Garnacho is on for Sancho, by the way.

87 mins:These teams are repeatedly breaking on each other during a breathless finish but neither side can find the right end product.

United have plenty of men and space on the counter, but they can only force a corner.

Fernandes then loops a highly ambitious effort onto the roof of the net.

88 mins:Excellent play from substitute Fred, who is brought down by Dawson to give United a superb free-kick opportunity just outside the box.

Booking for Dawson too, who protests his innocence.

Fernandes, Fred and Antony are all standing over the ball, but Bruno’s lifted strike is wide.

90 mins:This is turning into a superb Wolves debut for Bentley, who gets down low to his left to get a strong hand to Antony’s low drive and push it beyond the post.

SIX minutes of added time signalled.

GOAL! Manchester United 2-0 Wolves | Alejandro Garnacho 94′

94 mins:Game, set and match!

Wolves throw the kitchen sink at it as Kilman goes up to win a free-kick, but it leaves a big hole at the back that United ruthlessly exploit.

It’s one simple pass from Fernandes to play in Garnacho, who gets ahead of Nelson Semedo.

The fit-again Argentine, who has not played since March due to an ankle injury, shows terrific composure to streak into the box and beat his man again before finishing off I think both posts.

A crucial win for United safely secured at long last.

96 mins:A late flare-up breaks out involving Traore and Shaw, with the England left-back shown a yellow card.

It’s quickly defused by the referee.

Full-Time: Man United 2-0 Wolves

The whole United team except for De Gea went to celebrate with Garnacho after he scored that second goal. The Red Devils knew they had to win this game after back-to-back losses, and they duly did, even if the performance was not exactly scintillating. They are now level with Newcastle on 65 points, and they need just two more wins to guarantee a return to the Champions League.