Manchester United etched their name in the annals of English football history on Sunday, when they set a new record for the longest unbeaten away run in the league’s history, with 28 games undefeated. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managed his 100th Premier League game against the Wolves. Manchester United defeated Wolves 1-0 thanks to Mason Greenwood’s late goal in a game characterised by David de Gea’s spectacular double save. Let’s take a look at the five things to take away from Molineux.
5 things to learn for United
Midfield Problems for United
United’s midfield continues to be a major source of concern. The Red Devils are in need of a proper number six. The latest illustration of why Manchester United’s midfield has to be improved came less than 10 minutes into the Wolves encounter. Fred’s poor handling of the ball allowed Francisco Trincao to race through and smash his attempt past David de Gea, with only a last-ditch goal-line block from a retreating Aaron Wan-Bissaka preventing Wolves from taking the lead.
While Ronaldo, Varane, and Sancho are all excellent additions, it’s difficult to see Manchester United challenging for the Premier League title without a true CDM.
Solid Varane
During the first 45 minutes, Adama Traore gave Manchester United several issues. He broke away twice and raced straight towards Raphael Varane, who was making his debut. And on both instances, he decided against taking on the Frenchman. Both times, Traore handed the ball off, and United were able to clear up. Varane has a deservedly enviable reputation, which served United well at Molineux. Attackers figured he is a solid wall at the back.
Managing Ability
The game on Sunday demonstrated Solskjaer’s lack of management ability. Whereas Chelsea and Manchester City players are frequently made to appear better as a result of their manager’s coaching ability in setting up and adapting to the opposition. Solskjaer frequently gives the impression that he simply selects United’s best players and hopes that their individual quality shines through.
This is exactly what occurred against Wolves, especially in the opening 45 minutes, when the Red Devils looked totally fragmented and had to rely on bursts of brilliance from Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and the rest of the team. Solskjaer must experiment in order to find the right chemistry to break through defence of their opponents. He cannot just select his best players and hope to win the game. Making the appropriate changes however difficult they might be in order to break through the opponent is important.
Ineffective Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s first start in a Manchester United shirt was nowhere close to a success. He looked smart with the ball at his feet for the first few of minutes, and that was about it. Sancho was hardly a threat compared to Adama, who was a continuous threat from Wolves. It came as no surprise when he was replaced on 71 minutes after failing to take a shot or create a chance. He’ll improve and prove why United spent so much money on him. This game demonstrated that he is still fine-tuning his skills.
Vintage De Gea
David de Gea was excellent in goal once again, preventing United from falling down a goal. In the second half, the Spaniard made a fantastic double stop from a corner to put Wolves at bay. Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a fantastic sliding stop to deny Trincao when he was beaten in the first half.
