We learnt three things as Manchester United secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Wolves last Saturday at Old Trafford, boosting their chances of clinching a top-four spot and qualifying for the Champions League next season.
After a dominant first half, Anthony Martial tapped in a low cross from Antony to give the United the lead just after the half-hour mark. They created several chances throughout the game, but Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley kept the scoreline close. Eventually, in stoppage time, Alejandro Garnacho finished off a quick counter-attack to seal the win for the hosts.
The Red Devils provided the perfect response on the back of successive away losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United over the past two weeks. The result means that Erik ten Hag’s side are closing in on a Champions League spot and only trail third-placed Newcastle United, who drew 2-2 at Leeds United earlier in the weekend, on goal difference.
20/38 – Manchester United have now won 20 Premier League games this season and 38 in all competitions, their most in a single campaign since 2010-11 (39). Erik. pic.twitter.com/PHhX4eWtHT
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 13, 2023
1. Garnacho Scores On Return
In the 2-0 victory against Wolves, Manchester United prodigy Alejandro Garnacho marked his return to the team with a goal. The Argentinian was brought on in the second half and he scored his third Premier League goal of the season. After receiving a through ball, he shot past the defender and doubled the lead for the hosts.
The 18-year-old attacker has been kept out of the Argentina U20 team for the U20 World Cup. However, Garnacho is expected to be called up to the senior team for the upcoming matches against Australia and Indonesia.
2. De Gea Clinches Golden Glove Award
Despite doubts surrounding his future at Manchester United, David de Gea has won the Premier League Golden Glove award for the second time after securing his 16th clean sheet this season against Wolves. The Spanish goalkeeper has been a consistent performer in Erik ten Hag’s debut season at Old Trafford, and his contributions have played a significant role in United’s defensive solidity.
Although Alisson Becker, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale still have the opportunity to match De Gea’s record, they cannot surpass it, guaranteeing the award for the Spaniard. However, despite his personal success, the goalkeeper’s long-term future at the club remains uncertain.
3. Antony Needs To Improve His Output In Front Of Goal
Antony missed two crucial opportunities to score against Wolves, before Manchester United eventually took the lead. The Brazilian’s first chance was a curled effort that narrowly missed the mark, and his second was a missed header from a Luke Shaw cross.
Although the 23-year-old winger missed several chances to score, he played a crucial role in United’s first goal, setting up Anthony Martial for an easy tap-in. With just four Premier League goals this season for Antony, it is clear that there is room for improvement in his finishing, and the manager will be hoping to see that improvement in the future.
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Ten Hag has heaped praise on Antony and Alejandro Garnacho following the club’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Red Devils are now on 66 points for the campaign and need a maximum of six points from their remaining three Premier League games to guarantee a top-four spot.
Manchester United will be on the road to Bournemouth this upcoming weekend. The Red Devils could secure the Champions League qualification with a win if Liverpool lose their next game.
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