Manchester United breathed a sigh of relief as Anthony Martial broke his goalless streak, securing a crucial 2-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The win not only halted United’s recent slump but also revived their hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Martial, who had failed to find the back of the net in his last eight games, finally rediscovered his scoring touch at Old Trafford.
The French forward netted in the first half, providing a much-needed boost to his team.
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The victory was sealed in stoppage time by Alejandro Garnacho, who added a second goal for United, securing their first win in three matches.
The result helped Erik ten Hag’s side regain control over their pursuit of Champions League qualification after back-to-back defeats to Brighton and West Ham had threatened to derail their ambitions.
With this victory, United, currently in fourth place, moved four points clear of Liverpool, who are hot on their heels in fifth. Liverpool, set to face struggling Leicester City on Monday, will have only two matches remaining after that encounter, while United still have three matches left to play. This advantage puts United in a favourable position to determine their own fate in the race for a top-four finish.
The match against Wolves also marked the return of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Old Trafford for the first time since his departure in November 2021. Solskjaer appeared in good spirits as he posed for photos with fans before kick-off. However, even his staunchest supporters had to acknowledge the significant progress made under Ten Hag’s guidance this season, which only served to highlight the shortcomings of Solskjaer’s troubled reign.
Ten Hag made three changes to the starting lineup, with Marcus Rashford sidelined due to a leg injury, while Wout Weghorst and Tyrell Malacia were named on the bench. Martial, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane were brought in as replacements.
United, who had struggled to find the net in their previous nine games, scoring just six times, were in desperate need of a goal to restore confidence. Wolves had an early opportunity to take the lead when Craig Dawson fired narrowly wide after Pedro Neto set him up inside the United area.
However, United gradually increased the pressure, and Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick forced a save from Wolves’ young goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. The Red Devils continued to create chances, with Christian Eriksen narrowly missing the target from long range, and Antony wastefully heading over from close range.
Finally, in the 32nd minute, Martial ended his goal drought by coolly finishing off a brilliant move initiated by Fernandes. Antony’s incisive run set up Martial, who calmly slotted the ball home after Bentley rashly ventured off his line.
Martial had a chance to double United’s lead before halftime, but he shot straight at Bentley from Antony’s pass. Wolves also had an opportunity to level the score when Max Kilman headed a corner down to Hwang Hee-chan, but the substitute squandered the chance by firing wide from a tight angle.
In the second half, Fernandes and Sancho both came close to extending United’s lead, but Bentley made impressive saves to deny them. Weghorst, still seeking his first Premier League goal for United, missed a golden opportunity when he headed over from close range.
As the clock ticked down, Garnacho sealed United’s victory with a composed finish, sprinting onto Fernandes’ pass and slotting the ball home with aplomb.
The win not only provided a much-needed boost to United’s confidence but also placed them in a stronger position to secure a coveted top-four finish.
With three matches remaining, United’s destiny is in their own hands, while Liverpool will have to rely on United slipping up in order to overtake them.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s impact on the team cannot be understated, as his tactical adjustments and player selections have proven effective in revitalizing the squad. The absence of Marcus Rashford was felt, but Martial, Sancho, and Varane stepped up to the challenge, showcasing their abilities on the pitch.
United’s struggles in front of goal were evident in their recent run of games, but Martial’s breakthrough brought a wave of relief to the team and supporters alike. His goal demonstrated his composure and clinical finishing, putting an end to his frustrating goal drought.
However, there were still missed opportunities for United to increase their lead. Wolves had their moments too, with Max Kilman and Hwang Hee-chan coming close to equalizing, but their efforts fell short.
United’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with Fernandes and Eriksen pulling the strings in midfield and creating chances for their teammates. The team’s hunger for success was palpable, as they continued to press forward, searching for more goals.
In the dying moments of the game, Garnacho’s swift movement and precise finish put the result beyond doubt. His goal not only secured the victory but also highlighted the depth of talent in United’s squad, with young players stepping up when given the opportunity.
The return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added an intriguing subplot to the match. While his tenure at United was marked by mixed results, the progress made under Ten Hag’s guidance has highlighted the need for a change in leadership.
Solskjaer’s presence served as a reminder of the team’s evolution and the aspirations they now hold under their new manager.
With the win, United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been rekindled. They currently sit in fourth place, four points ahead of Liverpool.
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Leicester City will undoubtedly have an impact on the final standings, but United’s advantage in terms of matches remaining gives them the upper hand.
