Blossoming Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford partnership continues as Man United held

Matt Jones - Editor 01:08 20/08/2019
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  • Paul Pogba missed a penalty as Manchester United had to settle for a point at Molineux in a 1-1 draw with Wolves.

    United started with hunger and a snarl against a Wolves side that bit them hard last season, unbeaten in three encounters. They were bossing possession but hadn’t really tested Rui Patricio until they took the lead. A beautiful passage of play was topped off by Marcus Rashford sliding in Anthony Martial and he rifled a left-footed finish high past Patricio.

    Wolves, timid in the opening 45, bit back in the second as they roared out of the traps. United were rattled and conceded a brilliant equaliser when Ruben Neves fired in a fierce shot off the underside of David De Gea’s crossbar after the Red Devils failed to clear a corner.

    The game was an open spectacle from then on with both sides showing intent. United could have won it when Pogba was felled by Conor Coady inside the box, but his resultant penalty was brilliant kept out by Patricio.

    Here’s how the United players rated.

    MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)

    David De Gea 6: A bystander until Jimenez’s header unwittingly hit him when crashing off the post. Not so lucky minutes later as Neves’ brilliant shot crashed in off the underside of the bar.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7: Seems impossible to escape, making an incredible nine tackles. Continued fine start to United career. Even as Wolves pressed after the break he was sharp and alert and wasn’t afraid to venture forward either.

    Victor Lindelof 6: Quiet and unassuming alongside Maguire, didn’t put a foot wrong. Passing crisp (92.8 per cent was best on the pitch).

    Harry Maguire 6: Dived in on Jimenez early but afterwards commanding as United were comfortable. Had test with marauding Traore and increasingly confident hosts, but stuck to task well.

    Luke Shaw 7: Still suspect defensively but settled and was a lively outlet down the left. Impressive pace and could have won it late but saw his shot collected by Patricio. Two key passes.

    Paul Pogba 7: Shaky start with several errant passes but found his range and showed off repertoire. One searching ball to Rashford was resplendent. So hard to shake off the ball. Won but then failed to convert penalty.

    Scott McTominay 6: His energy and hunger in midfield is why United fans love him. Much-needed in second half as Wolves came to life. Rolled sleeves up and got stuck in.

    Daniel James 7: Earned first United start then earned a booking for diving. Kept head and looked a threat before fading, but United have a talent on their hands.

    Jesse Lingard 7: Lively link up with Rashford and Martial. Bundle of energy as he chased and harried Wolves’ defenders and also tracked back diligently.

    Marcus Rashford 7: Looked lively from the left, growing understanding with Martial continued to blossom. Needs a big season and has started with a bang. Go-to player when United look to counter.

    Anthony Martial 7: Finally fulfilling his potential? Too early to say but a second goal in as many games has him brimming with confidence, which is dangerous. Rasping left foot drive was unstoppable.

    SUBS

    Juan Mata N/A: Brought on to impose calm but looked hurried in possession and made no telling contribution.

    Andreas Pereira N/A: One lovely pass sprayed out to Wan-Bissaka, otherwise too little time to impress.

    Mason Greenwood N/A: Brought on with little time to make an impact, more minutes for the 17-year-old.

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