Manchester United won the opening game of the season 1-0 against Wolves with Raphael Varane scoring the winner.
Here is a look at six things we learned from the fixture…
A real tough night at Old Trafford
Manchester United came into this game heavily favoured. Pundits and fans alike expected a relatively easy three points against a Wolves side who lost their manager a week ago, and have seen several key players leave. Instead we got a really difficult match.
Wolves arguably had the better opportunities during the first hour, with United struggling to create any clear cut chances. With Rasmus Hojlund out injured, United’s lack of a striker was really highlighted.
It was up to Raphael Varane to break the deadlock, doing so from open play after an assist from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He was an unlikely scorer, and it needed something out of the ordinary to help United take the lead.
Wolves deserve credit for their performance. This was far tougher than United needed or wanted it to be. There is plenty to work on, but importantly, the Red Devils took all three points. That’s an improvement on the defeat we began with last season.
Double sub makes difference
Erik ten Hag had to make a chance with Wolves managing to frustrate United. A double substitution was made, with Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen replacing Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount.
Both players helped United take control of the game, with Sancho more patient and composed in attack, while Eriksen sat deeper in midfield.
It took just eight minutes after they came on, for United to take the lead. A good manager is often judged by his substitutions, how he affects games, and Ten Hag got it right once again here.
