Manchester United fought hard and eventually grabbed all three points in a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The game looked to end in a goalless draw until substitute Marcus Rashford came on with a moment of inspired genius to give United the lead on 76 minutes.
Rashford did well to hold off a Wolves defender inside the box before firing a shot past José Sa.
The Englishman started on the bench, with Erik ten Hag confirming that the striker was not included in the starting XI for “internal discipline” reasons.
United had slightly more possession of the ball compared to Wolves: 54% to 46%.
Ten Hag’s men registered 16 shots, six of which hit their targets. Wolves, on the other hand, attempted 10 shots, with only three challenging David de Gea.
United successfully made 478 passes with a success rate of 81%.
Julen Lopetegui’s winger in the hand made 396 passes with a passing accuracy of 75%.
While Rashford will receive the applause, another one deserving honors in a game where many other stars didn’t appear is Luke Shaw.
Shaw started at center back for the second game in a row, as he was placed alongside Raphael Varane.
The 27-year-old had 81 touches and an 85% passing accuracy to his name from the heart of the Red Devils defense.
Shaw successfully pinged an impressive five long balls and completed a cross. The fullback won two of the three running games he went deep and made two crucial interceptions.
The Englishman also had a clearance and block his way to help the 20-time English champions to a clean sheet.
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. wolves:
85% passing accuracy 81 touches 5 long balls completed 2/3 field duels won 2 interceptions 1/1 cross completed 1 clearance 1 block 1 clean sheet
Another good performance out of position. ???? pic.twitter.com/tLKVR86lQT
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 31, 2022
Speaking after the game, Shaw said he told Ten Hag he would play wherever the United boss wanted him to.
Luke Shaw: “I told the coach, I’ll play where he wants.” #mufc [BT]
— UtdFiction (@UtdFiction) December 31, 2022
He certainly kept his promise with flying colors.
