Wolves vs Man Utd match report

By Josh Coleman, published on 23/05/21

Match Report: Wolves 1 - 2 Manchester United

Today's match saw Utd take on Wolves in the final match week of the 20/21 season. A side combined with experience, youth and a handful of players keen to prove themselves, took on a full strength Wolves side looking to give outgoing manager Nuno Espirito Santos a winning send off.

The first half began with Utd starting the better side. Despite a couple chances missed by Elanga in the sixth and seventh minutes after crosses from Alex Telles and Dan James, Utd eventually drew first blood. A fantastic run of play leading to an incredible ball in from James, met the head of Anthony Elanga who drilled home in emphatic fashion. Scoring his first for the club.

Despite this, Wolves had responded well, and had a period of possession in which they began to push Utd back, however lacked a final bit of quality to see the ball into the net. While their main threat Adama Traore went off due to a suspected hamstring injury, they managed to find that needed final pass, going on to equalise from a Nelson Semedo finish, who was found by Fabio Silva in the 39th minute.

A good response from Utd followed, piling the pressure on Wolves. With Brandon Williams coming close in a one on one, but Patricio was able to save his shot. Utd continued to dominate until the final moments of the half, and Van de Beek, running through the Wolves penalty area, was able to win a penalty. While it was not given by Mike Dean, a lengthy VAR check and Dean going to the monitor, meant that the penalty was then given. Which Juan Mata put away calmly into the left hand corner, sending Patricio the wrong way.

The second half was largely uneventful in terms of attacking threat. Wolves did begin to grow into the second half however, pinning Utd back into their own half. Despite this, like the first half, Wolves lacked the final touch and the final pass in periods of dominance. Alongside this, fantastic last ditch defending from Axel Tuanzebe to block Wolves' shots in the 80th minute, meant that they couldn't even test Dean Henderson in goal.

Despite a long range effort from Willy Boly in the final moments, Wolves were never able to equalise again for what would have been the second time. Meaning Utd took away the three points, winning 1-2. Ending the season in 2nd place.

This result means our long standing away streak extends to 26 games. As well as this, the debut of Hannibal Mejbri and Will Fish, with more minutes given to Amad, Shoretire and Elanga, gives fans excitement looking towards next season as we expect to see them break into the first team more and more.

It could also be the last we see of Juan Mata in a Utd shirt. If so, to finish off with a goal is a fitting send off for someone who has been a fantastic servant to the club over the years.

Looking towards our last game of the season on Wednesday, the Europa League Final in Gdansk, Ole will certainly have a selection headache for who to play in defence due to the impressive performance of Tuanzebe, should Harry Maguire not be fit to play. A good win today though, sets us in the perfect frame of mind and with added momentum to take on Villarreal, in what is a great opportunity for Ole to take home his first trophy with Utd.