Wolves 1 Man United 4
Are Wolves the worst team we’ve ever seen in the Premier League? Whilst watching this game I couldn’t help but to be in pure disbelief at how bad Wolves were for the majority of the game. The first goal epitomises what Wolves have been as a team this year as Andre takes an age on the ball eventually losing it to Casemiro who’s tackle gets played into Cunha who passes it then behind Bruno Fernandes who eventually scrapes it past Sam Johnstone in the Wolves goal. The sloppiness on the ball, misplaced passes and some of the worst defending you’ll probably ever see should have left United with at least 3 goals in that first half but typical of United in recent weeks they don’t kill the game and then let Wolves back into the game thanks to a well taken finish by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde just before the half time whistle.
Much improved second half from United. After Wolves scored you thought the worst for the second half as a United fan but they came out with an intensity and purpose to kill the game and that’s what they did scoring 3 in the second half and really should have scored more with Matheus Cunha having 8 shots on the Wolves goal without scoring. United finally started to click with Bruno Fernandes playing further forward linking up with Mount, Cunha and Mbeumo opening up the Wolves defence time after time eventually killing the game thanks to a brilliant goal from Mason Mount who looked like he was in flow state in that second half.
Mason Mount looks back to his best. It’s been tough for Mason Mount since he joined United back in 2023 whether it’s been injuries or change of managers he’s never really got going but I think he’s easily been one of United’s best players this season so far. Some of the touches and passes in that second half were that of a player right at the top of his game with his goal being the highlight of the match for me. The pass from Bruno Fernandes was sublime to Mount who finished calmly on the volley past Johnstone to put United 3-1 up and effectively kill the game. You’d hope that Mount can now stay fit and help United through this period where AFCON is going take away their entire right-hand-side.
Luke Shaw is playing his way into the England squad. I think it’s worth a mention that Luke Shaw’s form has gone under the radar by many so far this season, he’s started every game for United so far this season and has looked comfortable in that wide centre back position for United in every game they’ve played this season. I would be surprised if at the very least Thomas Tuchel isn’t considering calling him up into that March International squad if he keeps fit and keeps up his current performances which are at a really high level at the minute. There is now competition for his spot in the United team with Lisandro Martinez returning from injury so it will be interesting to see if Ruben Amorim gives Shaw a rest over the coming weeks knowing his past injury record.
What is the aim for United this year? This result now leaves United in 6th level on points with Chelsea and 1 point of Crystal Palace in 4th but what are United aiming for this season? In my opinion this United team should be challenging for that 5th spot which will most likely be a Champions League spot again but with how volatile the league is at the minute one bad result can drop you 5 places. There are currently only 4 points separating 4th and 12th and with United’s next 3 games consisting of Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle this United team could easily be in mid table again if they can’t start to build some momentum against the better sides. The Bournemouth game next Monday will tell us a lot about how serious United are in challenging for the Champions League spots this season.