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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Alejandro Garnacho might have changed his role at Manchester United after Wolves goal

Speed it up

The stats will show Manchester United had more than 25 shots against Wolves, but the reality is that well over half of them were ambitious efforts from distance and this side again failed to carve out many decent opportunities.

The shoot-on-sight approach was probably best summed up by Raphael Varane's desperate 25-yard drive midway through the first half, which only ever threatened the spectators to the left of Wolves' goal.

The goal they scored through Anthony Martial was a very clear opportunity, well created. Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho also had good chances, the latter two when the visitors were chasing the game.

ALSO READ: United player ratings vs Wolves

But generally, United's shots were low-grade efforts that were always unlikely to go in. Part of that was down to the lack of form amongst the front three, but also as a result of the pedestrian pace of the build-up play.

This is an area United have regressed in recently and it's been particularly obvious against West Ham and Wolves. The ball is being progressed forward too slowly and opposition defences are getting time to set up well.

Midway through the second half it was Christian Eriksen who took too long to release the ball, slowing another attack down. At that moment Erik ten Hag raised both arms towards the pitch, clearly demanding a little more speed in United's play.

It's an area they have to improve on over the summer. For all the talk of needing a striker, which is clearly true, any elite No. 9 is going to need a supply of chances to score goals.

Garnacho's impact

This hadn't been easy for United - it never is against Wolves - but they managed to secure all three points with a late second goal thanks to a dream return for Alejandro Garnacho.

The teenager was overlooked from the bench at West Ham a week ago, but he was given an opportunity here and he showed composure to finish after being played through by Fernandes in injury time.

United had never looked like conceding but they always want a second goal and it was Garnacho who showed the composure others looked, finishing via the post. After the final whistle he was cornered by Ten Hag, who shared a few words with him before a ruffle of that peroxide blond hair.

Garnacho's return to fitness is vital at this stage of the season and there is a view he can be an impact substitute, but with Sancho still struggling for form and Marcus Rashford now injured, he could yet force his way back into the starting XI, maybe even for the FA Cup final.

Antony does what he was signed for

When United committed £85million on signing Antony in the summer they wanted goals, as is expected of every wide forward in the modern game, but they also wanted creativity and that is an area he has struggled in so far.

Two assists in 41 games before Saturday was a woeful record. He can provide skilful moments in a game but there isn't enough of a threat throughout and full-backs have found him relatively easy to defend against.

Against Wolves he had missed United's two best chances before deciding to hand that mantle over to someone else. He curled a shot wide after a slip from Max Kilman and headed Luke Shaw's cross over. When Fernandes slipped him in, Antony looked to his left and laid the chance on a plate for Anthony Martial, who couldn't miss.

It was a composed piece of play for someone who had just missed the best chance of the game. Plenty of players in that position would have taken the shot on, but the Brazilian knew he had a simple pass for a teammate in an even better position.

But that point about consistency was reinforced a few minutes later, when he produced a brilliant run from inside his own half, but left it too long to play Jadon Sancho in and saw an excellent attacking opportunity fizzle out.

Shaw back on the left

As well as Shaw has done at centre-back recently, there has been one obvious issue. United have missed him at left-back. They've had to rely on an out-of-position Diogo Dalot or an inconsistent Tyrell Malacia in recent weeks and there has been a drop-off in quality.

Shaw is much better at those surges down the left than Malacia and he sent in two teasing crosses in the first 30 minutes. The first was just too high for Martial and the second laid a chance on a plate for Antony, who somehow headed over the crossbar.

In a team that looks desperately short of goals and creativity, having Shaw back and in a position where he can provide chances could be crucial during the run-in.

Solskjaer's return

There were plenty of cameras trained on the directors' box just before kick-off waiting for a sighting of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he took his seat.

This was the first time he's been back to Old Trafford since being sacked in November 2021 and if there was ever any doubt, his standing amongst matchgoers hasn't been hurt by the way his reign has ended.

Solskjaer was back in Manchester for a speaking engagement this week and crowds lapped up his anecdotes from his time as a player and a manager. Within eight minutes of the game against Wolves the Stretford End had been through two of their Solskjaer chants. He is still adored by supporters.

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