Premier League: Manchester United ease past Wolves

• Wolverhampton Wanderers hosted Manchester United on Saturday in the Premier League early kick-off
• Manchester United needed all three points to get into the top four in the Premier League log
• Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the winner for Erik Ten Hag’s side

Manchester United defeated struggling Wolves 1-0 at Molineux thanks to a late goal from Marcus Rashford, who came off the bench. This result put Manchester United in the top four of the Premier League for 2023.

Rashford had two goals in two games since returning from the World Cup, but Erik ten Hag benched him on Saturday due to disciplinary issues as United played poorly in the first half.

The England international came on at halftime and immediately made a big impact, beating Jose Sa with a strong finish to score in the 76th minute. However, a VAR review later disallowed his second goal.

With Tottenham scheduled to play Aston Villa on Sunday, United may move up to fourth with a big three points on the road.

Manchester United players celebrate after Marcus Rashford scored the winning goal against Wolves on December 31, 2022, at Molineaux Stadium. | PHOTO: Independent |

Alejandro Garnacho was let in on goal early on thanks to a backpass from Nelson Semedo that was poorly hit, but Sa saved the day by making a crucial save to save his right-back.

Shortly after, Diego Costa squandered a huge opportunity after working hard to create space for a shot but only managing to send a meek effort straight into David de Gea’s outstretched palms.

After excellent work down the left by Tyrell Malacia and Garnacho, Antony had a chance to score before the break but his header was saved.

Rashford, who was introduced at halftime, had the last laugh as his tenacious run culminated with him smashing into the goal.

In the 85th minute, he appeared to have scored, but the goal was ruled to have come off his arm. In the waning seconds, De Gea made an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez’s header, and United managed to secure the victory.

Rashford’s disciplinary grounds for being benched for the game were not disclosed prior to the game, but United’s lackluster first-half performance compelled Ten Hag to act.

Rashford’s quick impact and game-winning goal put United ahead of Spurs before their encounter against Aston Villa on Sunday. He couldn’t have asked for a better response from Rashford. The Red Devils are in a strong position after three straight league victories, and they will be confident that they can continue this streak when they play Bournemouth the next time.

United was begging for a change after failing to produce much of note in the first half. Rashford came into the game and scored three goals in a row for United in all competitions for the first time since 2019.

He provided Ten Hag’s team some much-needed offensive vigor and expertly finished off his single significant opportunity, which was rated at just 0.14 xG. (expected goals). He is now in excellent shape and plans to keep it up in 2023.