The Man United youngster might have adjusted his role during their match vs Wolves
Manchester United had more than 25 shots against Wolves, but the vast majority of them were speculative long-range attempts, and the Red Devils once again failed to create many quality chances.
The shoot-on-sight mentality was perhaps best exemplified by Raphael Varane’s desperation 25-yard shot midway through the first half, which never threatened the Wolves’ goal.
Anthony Martial’s goal was the result of an excellently conceived and executed opportunity. Antony, Bruno Fernandes, and Jadon Sancho all had excellent opportunities, with the latter two coming when the visitors were pursuing the game.
In general, however, United’s shots were subpar attempts that were never likely to be successful. This was due in part to the paucity of form among the front three, but also to the sluggish pace of the build-up play.
United have recently regressed in this area, and it has been notably evident against West Ham and Wolves.
The ball is being advanced too slowly, giving opposing defenses ample time to set up effectively.
Midway through the second half, Christian Eriksen waited too long to pass the ball, thereby retarding another attack. At that moment, Erik ten Hag raised both arms toward the field, indicating that United’s action required a bit more speed.
They must progress in this area over the summer. For all the talk about requiring a striker, which is obviously true, any elite No. 9 will require a steady stream of scoring opportunities.
Garnacho’s influence
This had not been easy for United – it never is against Wolves – but due to Alejandro Garnacho’s dream return, they were able to secure all three points with a late second goal.
The adolescent was left on the bench against West Ham a week ago, but he was given a chance here and finished with composure after Fernandes played him through in injury time.
United had never appeared to be in danger of conceding, but they always seek a second goal. Garnacho showed the composure that others lacked by converting via the post. Ten Hag confronted him after the final whistle and exchanged a few words with him before ruffling his peroxide-blonde hair.
Garnacho’s return to fitness is crucial at this point in the season, and there is a belief that he can be an impact substitute. However, with Sancho still struggling for form and Marcus Rashford now injured, he could force his way back into the starting XI, perhaps even for the FA Cup final.
Antony performs his assigned duties.
Antony was signed by United for £85 million in the summer with the expectation that he would score goals, as is expected of every wide forward in the modern game. However, United also wanted him to be creative, an area in which he has struggled thus far.
Before Saturday, the record of two assists in 41 games was pathetic. Full-backs have found him relatively simple to defend against, despite the fact that he is capable of providing skillful moments throughout a match.
Against Wolves, he missed United’s two finest scoring opportunities before deciding to pass the torch. After Max Kilman’s error, he curled a shot wide and headed Luke Shaw’s cross wide.
When Fernandes passed him the ball, Antony looked to his left and presented Anthony Martial with a chance he could not miss.
It was a composed play from a player who had just missed the game’s finest opportunity. Numerous players in that position would have taken the shot, but the Brazilian knew he had a colleague in an even better position to whom he could easily pass the ball.
However, this point about consistency was reinforced a few minutes later when he made a brilliant run from inside his own half, but waited too long to pass the ball to Jadon Sancho, resulting in a wasted outstanding offensive opportunity.
Left-rearward-facing shawl
Recently, Shaw has performed admirably at center-back, but there has been one glaring concern. He has been missed at left-back for United. In recent weeks, they have relied on an out-of-position Diogo Dalot and an inconsistent Tyrell Malacia, resulting in a decline in quality.
- Pochettino must release Chelsea’s “frightening” £100k-p/w star
- Ange Postecoglou stated what Tottenham star did in Wolves loss after significant team changes
- Mikel Arteta subjects a clear report on Martin Odegaard, Ben White injuries
- Leandro Trossard “peaks” as Arsenal startled to life by Burnley.
- Arsenal star’s January move could be in trouble after injury blow
Shaw is significantly superior to Malacia at these left-wing forays, as he sent in two tempting crosses in the first 30 minutes. The first was just too high for Martial, while the second presented Antony with a golden opportunity that he somehow missed.
In a team that appears severely lacking in goals and creativity, Shaw’s return and ability to create opportunities could be crucial in the closing stages.
Solskjaer’s return
Before kickoff, numerous cameras were trained on the directors’ box in an attempt to catch a glimpse of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he took his seat.
This was his first visit to Old Trafford since he was fired in November 2021, and if there was ever any doubt, his reputation among fans has not been harmed by the manner in which his tenure ended.
This week, Solskjaer returned to Manchester for a speaking engagement, and the audiences devoured his stories from his time as a player and manager.
Within eight minutes of the Wolves match, the Stretford End had already chanted two Solskjaer choruses. He continues to be beloved by supporters.
The Man United youngster might have adjusted his role during their match vs Wolves