Player Ratings: Wolves 0-1 Manchester United

While many would have hoped following the signing of the world’s most famous footballer, Manchester United would have been buoyed by the sheer excitement. However, United were far from exciting, but what they did do, is get the job done. A second-half goal from Mason Greenwood saw the Reds smash and grab their way to a victory at the Molineux.

Here’s how each player performed with a rating out of 10:

David De Gea: 8

Manchester United’s number one put in a magnificent performance today against a strong, attacking Wolves side. De Gea was assertive and commanding within his box, making multiple saves and showing a steady pair of hands. The Spaniard also made a game-changing contribution for United, when he pulled off an outstanding double save within and around his 6-yard box, denying Wolves’ Saiss.

Defence

Luke Shaw: 5

Luke Shaw had a fairly average performance today, particularly in comparison to his immaculate form last season. Shaw wasn’t able to have as much of an attacking influence as he normally does for United, and also struggled on a couple of occasions to negate the threat of Wolves’ Adama Traore. However, this shouldn’t be labelled a poor performance from Shaw- more so, a limited one whereby he didn’t reach his full potential.

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Raphael Varane: 7

Considering this was Varane’s first appearance in a Manchester United shirt, he was extremely calm, composed, and assertive in his defensive duties- keeping a clean sheet through a strong performance. In addition to this, Varane also made a few crucial interceptions that may have prevented an opposition goal.

Harry Maguire: 6

Maguire, in partnership with Varane, put in a steady performance in today’s outing- keeping a clean sheet, winning multiple headers, and using his size and strength effectively.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7

Wan-Bissaka was immense today. His defensive ability was next to none, highlighted specifically through a goal-line clearance, preventing an imminent goal. Bissaka also managed to link up well with the surrounding United players, rarely losing the ball.

Midfield

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Fred: 3

Fred, similarly to other recent performances, was poor today. Within the United midfield, he was a liability, losing the ball on multiple occasions. He is unable to play as a holding midfielder for United and will increasingly become more and more of a weakness if the Reds are unable to recruit an improved player within the position.

Paul Pogba: 7

Pogba had another strong performance today, picking out some excellent long-range passes. He rarely lost the ball and did well in attempting to take control of the midfield for United.

Bruno Fernandes: 6

Bruno was lively today, putting in a passionate performance, as usual. He worked tirelessly to create something for United and, despite not being able to include himself in a direct goal involvement, he definitely contributed significantly to United’s victory, through his overall work rate and interchangeable passing.

Attack

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Mason Greenwood: 8

Mason Greenwood is fast becoming a superstar. At such a young age, he shows tonnes of discipline in his attacking ability. Greenwood’s finishing ability is special, not to mention his strengthened hold-up play and deadly forward runs. Week in, week out, we are witnessing Mason grow into a phenomenal player, evident again today- where he scored the goal that broke the deadlock in the 80^th minute.

Daniel James: 5

Despite James’ tenacity, passion, and admirable desire to play for the club, it is becoming increasingly evident that he will not be able to compete with the attacking talent that Manchester United now have. James didn’t have a bad game today but made no real impact. Perhaps a loan deal would benefit the young Welshman.

Jadon Sancho: 6

Sancho struggled to get involved today, which is hardly surprising given this was his first full start for Man United. Despite this, Sancho did show some promising signs in his interchangeable passing ability, linking up notably well with Fernandes and Shaw.

Substitutes

Edison Cavani: 6

Cavani, upon his return to club football, didn’t make much of a direct impact from the bench. However, his expert forward runs behind the Wolves line and his experienced footballing brain benefitted United by giving the opposition defence another kind of threat to deal with.

Anthony Martial: 6

Martial impressed for the short time he was on the pitch. He appeared confident on the ball, using his elegant touch and skills to keep hold of possession and link up well with the rest of the team. Martial assisted the team massively in seeing out the victory during the final stages of the game.

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