Manchester United broke into the top four for the first time this season as they pushed hard to secure a 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford was the match winner when he came off the bench in the second half to score the winner after some fine individual play from the Englishman.
It had started as a New Year’s Eve to forget for the mancuniano, since he was released for disciplinary reasons, as revealed by the United coach.
Rashford makes a difference
Alejandro Garnacho started in his place and had the opportunity to score when a mistake by Nelson Semedo put him in the one-on-one but his shot was saved by Jose Sa.
He needed Rashford’s substitution in the second half to get the visiting team into a rhythm when the goal came in the 76th minute.
He now trails only former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the lists for most goals scored by substitutes.
Manchester United have lost just once in their last 15 games under Erik ten Hag.
The process has started ???? pic.twitter.com/nrazk24Dcf
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 31, 2022
It was the 11th goal scored by a substitute under Erik ten Hag this term, and the latest goal will certainly please the Dutchman.
What will have pleased him most, however, is the fact that despite not playing anywhere near his level, his side picked up three valuable points against a stubborn Wolves side.
Stars like Antony, Garnacho, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes struggled to make an impact, but in the end the team got the job done.
United showing signs of something special
This aspect was a constant with Sir Alex Ferguson when United won gutsy victories despite not playing well.
On a day the great man celebrated his birthday, United gave him the perfect birthday present and reminded fans of features they’ve missed in recent years.
It’s a hallmark of good teams and under Ten Hag’s leadership United are showing signs of making something memorable for the long term.
The win at Molineux was another instance where United let it go late before scoring the winner, and this is slowly but surely becoming a habit for the Red Devils once again.
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