EPL: Varane header seals scrappy win for Man United against Wolves

Raphael Varane scored the only goal as Manchester United defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in their opening English Premier League (EPL) match at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The Frenchman’s goal late in the second half bailed out a tepid Man United display against a team that sacked its manager a few days before the start of the season.

Man United started summer signings Andre Onana and Mason Mount, while Wolves had Gary O’Neil, their new manager, in the dugout.

Wolves were the better side for long stretches of the match and were profligate in front of goal, hitting the bar and failing to test Onana when openings were presented.

The Red Devils punished them against the run of play on 76 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined for the latter to float in a cross Varane headed into an empty net.

Wolves finished the better side and were denied a penalty in added time by the referee and video assistant referee (VAR) when Onana missed the ball and took out Sasa Kalajdzic.

Man United managed to see the game out to take maximum points, much to the fury of Wolves manager O’Neil.

The win means Man United have not been defeated at home in 19 matches, since losing in the opening game of last season.

Wolves, however, continued their dire away record of no win in ten EPL matches.

Photo credit: Reuters