Wolves 1-1 Manchester United: Three hits and flops

Paul Pogba missed a crucial penalty which could have given Manchester United their first win at the Molineux under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It was like watching two different games before and after half time. United moved the ball slowly and carefully in the first half and Wolves didn't threaten much either. The second half saw the game open up completely to soon become an end-to-end contest.

United will definitely feel bitter dropping two points as they had more and the better of the chances, especially the missed penalty from 12 yards. On the positive side, they've upgraded drastically on all departments compared to last season, and have at least picked up a point at a stadium where they didn't even manage a draw last season. Wolves, on the other hand, look like they're up for the big tests yet again this season.

Here's three major players who were positively impactful in this game

#3 Adama Traore

The big, bulky Spaniard was clearly the catalyst for Wolverhampton Wanderers after coming on as a substitute for Matt Doherty. His pace and agility caused a wreckage on United's left-hand side. He gave Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford a run for their money all game with his tremendous pace and his spot-on crosses caused havoc in the United penalty area.

Not being able to contain Traore was the reason that directly led to the goal they conceded. One of his crosses was also headed in by Raul Jiminez which somehow stayed out after hitting the bar. Why was he on the bench in the first half?!

#2 Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves scored beautifully against Manchester United.

The Portuguese international did what he does best, controlling every single Wolves move from the midfield. His reading of the play was outstanding, he was the first to claim any loose balls in midfield and start counter-attacks . The way he struck the ball from outside the box into the top corner against a full-stretched de Gea for his goal, was a work of art.

The midfielder already had a record of scoring more goals from outside the box than he had touches inside the opposition's penalty area. His ability to convert a dead ball into a thing of beauty is what makes him one of the hottest midfielders in the Premier League right now.

#1 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Wan-Bissaka was again brilliant on the night

The England international was the best player on the pitch in this game. Called Spider Man by United fans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka didn't seem to lose a tackle in the whole game. In fact, he made nine tackles in the whole match, three times as many as any other United player.

He also fed two brillaint balls to Jesse Lingard inside the penalty area, which Lingard failed to capitalize on. Wan-Bissaka's performance might be one of the brighter things the dejected, travelling United fans will take back home. Already proving to be one of United's biggest signings this season, Wan-Bissaka will be a rock for United on the right hand side.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka made nine tackles tonight, three times as many as any other #MUFC player.
— Kris Voakes (@krisvoakes) August 19, 2019

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Here are three players who were far below their standards, who could've done a lot better, especially with their quality.

#3 Paul Pogba

The French World Cup-winner Paul Pogba, like on many occasions, seemed to lack the flair and grace that he has when he's on song despite some moments of brilliance. His touches were often poor, he lost the ball on too many occasions.

But the biggest talking point is his missed penalty. Marcus Rashford has taken some brilliant penalties in the past, as we saw his strike against Chelsea. It's unclear why Pogba took it ahead of Rashford, but Solskjaer claims its "on the slides in the powerpoint", and that it's between them to decide who feels more confident about taking them.

Regardless, his penalty miss might have directly cost United two points. Pogba needs to find his rhythm again, and he surely will, because will United rely heavily on the Frenchman throughout the season.

#2 Daniel James

The Stretford end hero last weekend didn't really feel like a hero tonight. Daniel James had a really difficult game, and nothing he did seemed to work out. Sure he was troubling Jonny and Willy Boly with his pace down the right wing, but he failed to produce any deliveries of consequence from that side. He got booked for diving early in the game after which he had to play with caution.

He was kicked and fouled by the Wolves defenders on numerous occasions, he was booed by the Molineux crowd everytime he got the ball. This has certainly been, and will be up there as one of the harder tests for young James in the Premier League this season. He could definitely work on his crossing and decision making, he's one of those young prospects who'll only get better with age and experience in this league.

#1 Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard in action during the game.

Safe to say, Jesse Lingard had a really poor game. He lost the ball too many times and didn't make some of the runs his teammates would've liked. His slashed effort on goal, which he would normally bury in the back of the net, cost United dearly.

His qualities are in high-pressing football, which worked in his favor against Chelsea last weekend, but not quite so against Wolves who are very different from Chelsea and play on the counter. But Jesse is not to blamed alone as United's midfield was poor in general. The coordination just wasn't there as we saw against Chelsea.

United will have to learn from and improve on the numerous mistakes and flaws in this game. Fans will hope they only go upwards from here. They will have to get behind Solskjaer regardless of the results at this point. Wolves look like a side who relish any opportunity to play against the top six sides, just like they did last season. Nuno Espirito Santo's men might again cause more than one upset this season, as the men in yellow will hope for a top-six finish themselves.

Edited by S Chowdhury