Man United vs Wolves score, result, highlights as Martial, Garnacho keep up Premier League top four chase

Joe Wright

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Man United vs Wolves score, result, highlights as Martial, Garnacho keep up Premier League top four chase image

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Manchester United took a big step towards UEFA Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.

Anthony Martial's close-range finish just after the half-hour mark put the Red Devils ahead, the France forward firing home after being teed up unselfishly by Antony.

Wolves improved after halftime but, in truth, David de Gea in the United goal had little to do as he recorded his 16th clean sheet of the Premier League season. Indeed, the home side should really have made more of the opportunities they created on a warm day at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils finally killed off the contest in injury time, the returning Alejandro Garnacho finding a way past the excellent Wolves debutant Dan Bentley.

MORE: Premier League standings: Will Man United finish in the top four?

Man United vs Wolves final score

  Final
Man United 2
Wolves 0

Goals:
MUN — Anthony Martial (Antony) — 32 mins
MUN — Alejandro Garnacho (Fernandes) — 90 + 4 mins

Lineups:

Man United (4-2-3-1, right to left): De Gea (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane (Maguire), Shaw — Casemiro, Eriksen (Fred) — Antony, Fernandes, Sancho (Garnacho) — Martial (Weghorst)

Wolves (4-4-2, right to left): Bentley (GK) — Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti (Bueno) — Nunes, Neves, Lemina (Traore), Neto (Hwang) — Cunha (Podence), Costa (Jimenez)

Man United set 12-year best mark for season wins

In his programme notes, United manager Erik ten Hag sought to ease any sense of anxiety among fans who had seen their side lose consecutive games without scoring to allow Liverpool back into the top-four race. "We must remember that we are in this position of control because of the excellent work we have done so far this season, and now it is time to finish the job," he wrote.

Certainly, there was little panic about the way United controlled proceedings against a Wolves side now playing with the freedom of knowing their relegation fears are over. The Red Devils were not exactly rip-roaring, but they were undoubtedly in charge. Martial's opening goal came from a well-worked move and was a deserved one, particularly given the earlier chances missed by Antony, who turned provider this time.

While Wolves improved in the second half, United goalkeeper De Gea was never called upon to make a save. He was well protected by a defence bolstered by the return from injury of Raphael Varane, allowing him to record a 16th clean sheet of the season, three more than any other 'keeper in the league.

That meant United's win looked fairly secure even before Garnacho's impressive late finish. It was their 20th league victory and their 38th in all competitions, the most in a single campaign since they managed 39 back in 2010/11 — a season in which they won the title and reached the Champions League final.

Viva Garnacho, United's not-so-secret weapon

Garnacho got a loud ovation when he came off the bench for his first United appearance since injuring his ankle in the 0-0 draw with Southampton on March 12. With Ten Hag's side having scored just one goal in three games before Saturday, and with Marcus Rashford missing with a leg injury, Garnacho's return was invaluable.

He came on for Sancho, who had performed adequately enough and would have scored but for a brilliant save from Bentley. Yet Sancho is still someone who too often slows play down when United are on the attack, forced to rely on attempted precision as defenders crowd him out. Garnacho's explosiveness sets him apart.

Antony and Fernandes each played brilliant passes in the build-up to the second goal, but Garnacho's outside-in run that left Semedo lagging behind him was the key — an exceptionally clever piece of movement for an 18-year-old still learning his trade. He got a little luck when his shot found the opposite corner after striking the inside of the post, but he earned it.

"One of the aspects for the biggest talents is they are mature," said Ten Hag. "He has a big impact in many games, either when he's starting or coming on. He's ready, straight into the game, and it's so important for the squad to bring [in] such players. Hopefully, he can compete for a starting position, because I think that is his next challenge."

Man United are two wins from a very good season

Regardless of third-place Newcastle's draw with Leeds earlier in the day, this was a game United had to win. They are now level on points with the Magpies, but their significantly inferior goal difference means they will need Eddie Howe's side to drop more points if they are to overtake them for third place.

What was more important was to keep a gap to Liverpool in fifth. United are now four points ahead of their fierce rivals, with each side having played 35 games. Ten Hag's men need a maximum of two wins from matches against Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H) and Fulham (H) to ensure they will end the season in the top four.

Ending a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, and qualifying for the Champions League, would represent a very good first season for Ten Hag. They could yet lift the FA Cup, too, if they can overcome Manchester City in next month's final.

"We need to win every game," Ten Hag said afterwards. "The team was ready for this battle, for this fight."

Man United vs Wolves updates, highlights from Premier League

Fulltime: Man United 2-0 Wolves

The whole United team except for De Gea went to celebrate with Garnacho after he scored that second goal. The Red Devils knew they had to win this game after back-to-back losses, and they duly did, even if the performance was not exactly scintillating. They are now level with Newcastle on 65 points, and they need just two more wins to guarantee a return to the Champions League.

90 + 4 mins: GOOOOAAAAAALLL FOR MAN UNITED! They're not hanging on any longer! Shaw clears his lines, Antony cleverly touches the ball to Fernandes, and the break is on. Fernandes finds Garnacho, who has Weghorst for company and only the cramping Semedo tracking him. He checks his run, shifts the ball again, and places a shot in off the post — just out of reach of Bentley.

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90 + 3 mins: Bit of a scramble in the United box but Wan-Bissaka eventually hacks the ball away. The Red Devils are hanging on.

90 + 1 mins: Bentley once again! Fernandes lays the ball back to Antony on the right-hand side of the box, he tries to squeeze a shot in at the near post, but the Wolves keeper reacts superbly.

90 mins: Fred's jinking run is halted by Dawson, but Fernandes fires the free-kick over the bar. We'll have SIX minutes of added time.

86 mins: Wolves appeal for a penalty for handball after Maguire blocks Traore's cross, but the referee (and VAR) say no. United then break, but Garnacho's pass to Fernandes is too heavy.

82 mins: Bentley again! Casemiro's first-time shot is dipping towards the bottom-left corner, but the Wolves keeper claws it away.

79 mins: Lopetegui has made all five subs for Wolves, but Ten Hag still just one. You wonder if some fresh legs would help United see out this game. Right on cue, Fred, Harry Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho come on for Eriksen, Varane and Sancho.

74 mins: Brilliant save from Bentley! Substitute Weghorst touches the ball to Sancho, he works space in the box before drilling a low shot at goal, and the Wolves keeper sticks out a right hand to turn it behind for a corner. Not bad for a Premier League debutant.

70 mins: Careless play from United allows Wolves to break. Hwang runs in behind the defence onto a long ball, De Gea comes out of his area, and... seemingly does enough! Hwang went to ground but got straight back up, but he had been forced out wide and the chance was effectively gone. De Gea didn't make contact with him.

64 mins: Fernandes, back on his feet, pounces on a loose ball, leaves Semedo on the deck and shoots straight at Bentley. Martial just can't control the rebound.

61 mins: Really strange scenes as the referee doesn't award a free-kick to Fernandes after he was scythed down by Kilman. With the United captain staying on the turf, Costa puts the ball out of play — by booting it into the bottom row of spectators. He's lucky he didn't hit anyone.

59 mins: Just wide! United work it well from back to front, Fernandes backheels to Antony, and his shot deflects narrowly past the right-hand post.

56 mins: Semedo plays a dangerous cross in from the right, which Wan-Bissaka just manages to intercept. Wolves are the more threatening side at the moment.

50 mins: Lemina blocks a shot by Eriksen and stays down, apparently in a lot of discomfort. Fernandes and Casemiro tell teammates, who are still on the attack, to put the ball out of play. Shaw eventually does. Lemina is testing out his ankle, and he seems to be okay.

48 mins: Martial's cross is intercepted, the ball falls kindly to Antony, but his attempt is blocked. Eriksen asks why he wasn't teed up for a free shot on goal.

46 mins: The second half begins. Wolves have made a change, bringing on Hwang Hee-chan for Pedro Neto.

Halftime: Man United 1-0 Wolves

It's not been a thriller at Old Trafford, but United will be happy to hold a 1-0 lead at the break. Martial's close-range finish from Antony's cut-back is the difference. The hosts haven't made the most of their chances but they've at least kept Wolves comfortably at bay.

45 mins: Antony does brilliantly to leave three Wolves players in his wake, but with the hard work done, he delays the pass to Sancho and is eventually forced to lay off the ball to Martial, whose shot is saved easily.

42 mins: Lindelof's glancing header from a corner deflects off a Wolves head and Bentley has to react well to tip it over the crossbar.

37 mins: As soon as Martial scored that goal, five United players ran to the touchline for some water. The warm weather is clearly a bit of a challenge today, inasmuch as it's unexpected in this part of the world.

32 mins: GOAL FOR MAN UNITED! This time, United make it count! Fernandes beats Kilman to the ball, Sancho plays it back, and the Red Devils are away. Fernandes times his pass to Antony perfectly, the winger cuts it back to Martial, and he fires into the unguarded net. Antony did well to look up and square the ball there, as goalkeeper Bentley raced out to close him down.

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Australia:

30 mins: Huge chance for Antony! Shaw's delicate cross from the left finds the Brazilian, who meets it unchallenged but heads over the bar. That was a real opportunity.

26 mins: Fernandes is tripped by Cunha on the edge of the Wolves area. He tries a shot from the free-kick, but Bentley catches it well. Eriksen then attempts a curler from 20 yards, but it doesn't curl enough.

22 mins: As if to underline that point, Varane gets bored with a spell of passing in the Wolves half and tries a shot from 30 yards out, which ends up somewhere near the top of the away section.

19 mins: Wolves conceded possession in their own half. Casemiro then gives it straight back. Martial goes on a good run, gets to the edge of the box, and falls over. It hasn't been a game of the highest quality so far.

14 mins: Shaw's cross just evades Martial, and Wan-Bissaka's cut-back after good work by Antony evades the waiting red shirts. United are just starting to threaten again.

9 mins: Chance for Antony! Kilman slips and United's Brazilian picks up the loose ball and drives towards the box. He tries to place his shot, but it's wide of Bentley's right-hand post.

7 mins: Casemiro whips the ball to Eriksen 30 yards from the Wolves goal. He advances and tries a shot, which flies over the bar. At the other end, Varane's lobbed backpass puts De Gea in loads of difficulty and he can't prevent the corner to Wolves. There's a half-chance for Dawson from the delivery, but he misses the target.

KICKOFF: Man United get us underway. They're straight on the attack, and Antony has a shot blocked.

10 mins from kickoff: The players have just headed back inside after the warm-up — not that they needed much of one today.

30 mins from kickoff: In today's early Premier League match, Leeds United held Newcastle United to a 2-2 draw, which should give Man United's players a boost. They will go level on points with the Magpies if they win.

Pos Team Points Matches
Played		 Goals
Scored		 Goal
Difference		 Next Match
1. Man City 82 34 89 +58 @ EVE, May 14
2. Arsenal 81 35 83 +44 vs. BRI, May 14
3. Newcastle 66 35 63 +34 vs. BRI, May 18
4. Man United 63 34 49 +9 vs. WOL, May 13
5. Liverpool 62 35 67 +25 @ LEI, May 15
6. Tottenham 57 35 64 +7 @ AVL, May 13
7. Brighton 55 33 63 +18 @ ARS, May 8
8. Aston Villa 54 35 46 +3 vs. TOT, May 13
9. Brentford 50 35 52 +7 vs. WHU, May 14

1 hr from kickoff: Man United's team is as expected: Raphael Varane is back in the defence, and Marcus Rashford misses out with injury.

Wolves are also as predicted, although it's a big day for goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who makes his Premier League debut.

1 hr 15 mins from kickoff: The big concern for United today will be what to do if Marcus Rashford missed out with a leg injury (as expected). While his personal goalscoring form has dried up lately — he's only scored twice in the league since February 19 — he has still scored 10 more in the top flight than any other United player.

1 hr 30 mins from kickoff: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to be at today's game. It'll be his first match at Old Trafford (watching the men's team, at least) since he was sacked as manager in 2021. At an event in Manchester this week, he suggested too many modern players were "snowflakes" who wouldn't have been able to cope with the dressing room during his playing career. It'll be interesting to see if any of the current United squad saw those comments.

1 hr 45 mins from kickoff: United's last home game against Aston Villa came in torrential rain and gusting winds. Today, the weather is absolutely glorious. Let's just hope it's not too warm for the "snowflakes" in the dressing room, eh, Ole?

2 hrs from kickoff: The math is simple for Man United supporters. They need nine points from their final four matches to mathematically clinch a top-four spot and ensure that Liverpool can't catch them.

Man United vs Wolves lineups

In a big boost to United's defence, Raphael Varane is back after a month out and returns to the starting lineup, which sees Luke Shaw move to the left side of the back four. Ten Hag said there was a big question mark over Marcus Rashford, who has suffered an issue in his leg, and he is not in the squad.

Man United confirmed starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): De Gea (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw — Casemiro, Eriksen — Antony, Fernandes, Sancho — Martial

Man United subs (12): Butland (GK), Maguire, Malacia, Fred, Dalot, Weghorst, Pellistri, Elanga, Garnacho

Chiquinho and Sasa Kalajdzic are the only injured absentees for Wolves as they both recover from knee injuries. Goalkeeper Dan Bentley makes his Premier League debut.

Wolves confirmed starting lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Bentley (GK) — Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti — Nunes, Neves, Lemina, Neto — Cunha, Costa

Wolves subs (12): Sa (GK), Collins, Jimenez, Podence, Hwang, Sarabia, Gomes, Traore, Bueno

MORE: When do the 2023/24 Premier League fixtures come out?

Man United vs Wolves live stream, TV channel

The match kicks off from Old Trafford in Manchester at 3 p.m. local time.

  Date Time TV channel Streaming
USA Sat, May 13 10 a.m. EDT — Peacock
Canada Sat, May 13 10 a.m. EDT — Fubo Canada
UK Sat, May 13 3 p.m. BST — —
India Sat, May 13 7:30 p.m. IST — Hotstar VIP, JioTV
Australia Sun, May 14 12 a.m. AEST — Optus Sport
New Zealand Sun, May 14 2 a.m. NZST Sky Sport
Premier League		 Sky Sport NOW
Hong Kong Sat, May 13 10 p.m. HKT Now Premier League
(Ch. 620/621)		 Now Player, Now E
Malaysia Sat, May 13 10 p.m. MYT Astro SuperSport 2 Astro Go, sooka
Singapore Sat, May 13 10 p.m. SGT — StarHub TV+

USA: The match will be exclusively available via stream on NBC platform Peacock.

Canada: As with every Premier League match, the Man United vs. Wolves match is exclusively available on Fubo Canada.

UK: The match will not be available via TV or streaming as part of the Saturday 3 p.m. blackout window. Fans can tune into the radio broadcast on BBC Radio.

Australia: Every match from the Premier League streams live and on demand on Optus Sport.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.