Wolves player ratings gallery: One scores 5/10 in 1-0 loss to Man Utd but three get 8/10

Wolverhampton Wanderers were unfortunate to fall to a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United this afternoon as Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game to earn his side all three points. The Wanderers battled well but Julen Lopetegui’s home league debut ends in defeat.

The visitors were the stronger side in the early stages as they dominated possession and offered threat from a couple of set pieces. Defensive midfielder Casemiro came close with a sixth minute header, meeting an out-swinging Christian Eriksen corner, but Matheus Nunes was there to deflect it behind.

Another opportunity came as Wolves were starting to control things themselves; a completely unnecessary backpass from Nelson Semedo was totally miscued straight into the path of United winger Alejandro Garnacho. Much to the relief of the home support, Jose Sa made himself big and smothered the Argentine’s effort.

Wolves settled into their own half a little more after that scare but were strong to absorb the little pressure that United did ensue. The Wanderers were able to carve out their own opportunity as Matheus Nunes dispossessed Bruno Fernandes, progressed around 40 yards with the ball and fed Diego Costa. The Brazilian, who cut inside, could only manage a rather tame effort straight at David de Gea.

Both managers made tactical changes at half time, Lopetegui taking off Costa in favour of Adama Traore and the visitors turning to Marcus Rashford, on for Garnacho. Traore made an instant impact for Wolves, using quick feet to beat numerous United players before delivering some dangerous crosses.

Just one chance followed heading through and passing the hour mark, as Wanderers star man Ruben Neves fired a delightful, dipping free-kick effort toward the top right-hand corner. Red Devils keeper David de Gea had to be quick on his feet to get across and make a diving save.

A few more substitutes from each side and a quiet spell later, United took the lead pretty much out of nowhere. Rashford picked up the ball on the left flank, dribbled inside, played a simple one-two with Fernandes, and slotted the ball in at the near post. “That’s what happens when you give it a go,” a few shouted in the stands.

Rashford thought he had a second in the 85th minute as he ran through and scored at the second time of asking one-on-one with Sa, but it was disallowed for a handball. The goalkeeper was unlucky to deflect the ball back up toward Rashford, who handled it before flicking it home.

Wolves strung together a few corner kicks in the dying embers and substitute Raul Jimenez was agonisingly close to scoring an equaliser as he his header was saved. A tense end, but United were able to hold onto all three points. Here are our player ratings from the game.