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Much has been made of the Portuguese influence that has seen Wolverhampton Wanderers rise swiftly up the English football league table, but all eyes were on Manchester United’s new big-money Portuguese recruit as the two sides met in a Premier League encounter at Old Trafford. Only goal difference separated the fifth-placed Red Devils from seventh-placed Wolves, who were facing off for the third time in under a month following their FA Cup double-header from which United emerged narrow victors.
However, it was the visitors who started the game off on the front foot here, looking more cohesive than United in the opening exchanges without really creating any opportunities of note. United new boy Bruno Fernandes was the only bright spark in a slow and laboured display by the home side, with Wolves content to allow United to come forward before hitting on the counter. The hosts gained more of a foothold as the game wore on and little separated the two sides going into the break.
The second half started much as the first ended, with United coming agonisingly close through long-range efforts from Bruno and Juan Mata. Wolves countered with a powerful shot from an acute angle from Raul Jimenez, but the visitors withdrew deeper into their own area as time ticked on.
There was a touching tribute to the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster in the 58th minute but nothing much of note happening on the pitch, with both sides seemingly cautious of over-committing. By the time the final whistle blew, both sides seemed to accept that a draw was a fair result.
Here are the hits and flops from the game, which was dominated by resolute defensive displays from both sides.
#5 Hit: Adama Traore
It’s no secret that Adama Traore is Wolves’ greatest threat on the counter - freakishly strong and also incredibly speedy, the Spanish winger is as close as you would get to a video game cheat code in real life. Traore enjoyed a spirited battle with Luke Shaw down Wolves’ right wing, beating the English full-back for pace on a few occasions and delivering some dangerous crosses into the United box.
He also went close with a powerful effort in the first half and made a couple of his trademark runs from deep before going off with what seemed like an ankle knock with about 15 minutes to play.
#4 Flop: Andreas Pereira
A willing runner but offering little more in midfield, the Brazilian has really struggled to make the most of his extended run in the first team, as was the case tonight. Far too careless in possession and a little too aggressive in his tackle, Andreas turned the ball over several times, breaking what little momentum United seemed to be building up. The fact that he keeps being deployed in different positions isn’t helping either, as he didn’t fare much better in the second half when he was shifted out to the left.
The absence of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay seems to be the only thing keeping him in the team, and with the addition of Bruno Fernandes, one would expect that he would be the one to make way once the Frenchman and the Scotsman return from injury.
#3 Hit: Luke Shaw
The emergence of Brandon Williams this season has forced Luke Shaw to raise his game over the past few months, and the young Englishman has risen to the challenge admirably. Having been played as the left-sided centre-back in a back-three recently, Shaw was deployed at his customary left-back position on the night as was up against none other than the dangerous Adama Traore.
He defended doggedly and allowed Traore few opportunities to unleash his pace, using his own speed to keep the Spaniard in check. Shaw also made a couple of key interventions to stop Wolves from countering and walked off the field with his head held high.
#2 Flop: Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial seems to have been most affected by Marcus Rashford’s long-term injury layoff, as the Frenchman always seems to experience a dip in form when his English strike partner isn’t on the field with him. Playing as a lone striker with Daniel James and Juan Mata occasionally running up in support, Martial was kept quiet by the combined efforts of Conor Coady and the returning Willy Boly for most of the match.
He also struggled to get involved in any of the build-up play, with only a few of his clever touches and flicks finding their intended target. The imminent arrival of Odion Ighalo might help elevate his game, but the Frenchman was one of United’s weakest links on the night.
#1 Hit: Bruno Fernandes
The question on everyone's lips ahead of the match was when would United fans get to see their expensive January signing, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thrust Bruno Fernandes straight into the limelight by handing him a start. The Portuguese international worked his way into the game slowly, with a couple of intelligent passes and encouraging runs, and grew in influence as time passed.
Fernandes went close with a couple of long-range efforts, testing his compatriot Rui Patricio in goal on more than one occasion and ending up with five shots, as many as the rest of his teammates combined. It was an encouraging first sighting of the £68 million man and the United faithful would now be eager to see how he fits in with Pogba, McTominay, and Rashford back in the side.
