United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United finally returned to winning ways and climbed into the Premier League’s top six. After several matchdays of missed opportunities, the Reds had struggled to break into the upper tier of a tightly packed table, where positions 4 through 13 were separated by just six points. A dominant 4-1 victory away at Wolves, powered by second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes, gave Ruben Amorim exactly what he needed to revive United’s top-four push.

Below, we take a look at the performances from the Reds in the crucial victory.

Starting Eleven

Senne Lammens: 6 – Lammens again played mistake-free football and was only punished because of problematic defensive positioning. He deserves a second clean sheet.

Noussair Mazraoui: 6 – Mazraoui will be missed when he heads to AFCON in a week. The Moroccan put in another solid shift on the right and is especially valuable in possession as United pushes forward. He managed a key pass, completed a cross, and shot from his deep position.

Ayden Heaven: 6 – Heaven rebounded from his struggles against West Ham with an improved performance at the heart of United’s defense against Wolves. He completed all 36 of his passes and was particularly impressive in the air, where he won four of four duels.

Luke Shaw: 7 – Lisandro Martinez is back, but Luke Shaw is not going to give up his spot. The World Cup hopeful was excellent again on the left, pushing the team forward and winning several crunching tackles.

Amad Diallo: 6 – Defensively, Amad remains a liability; he lost assister David Wolfe on the wing for the Wolves’ leveler. However, his attacking prowess keeps him at wing-back, and he was influential again down the right side.

Casemiro: 7 – Casemiro was dominant in the midfield, breaking up play and winning the ball back. His excellent tackle while pressing set Matheus Cunha away for the first goal. He had a couple of shaky moments in possession, but had a quality day overall.

Bruno Fernandes: 9 – Bruno took a difficult chance created by Matheus Cunha to give United the lead in the 25th minute, then delivered a beautiful cross for Mount to finish with ease. He later capped his night by converting his penalty with precision. If the captain can build form, United will be primed for a push into the top four.

Diogo Dalot: 8 – Dalot is in form right now. After scoring against West Ham, the wing-back should have had another in the first half at Molineux, but saw his effort saved. However, he assisted Mbeumo in United’s best, flowing move of the day to restore the away side’s lead.

Bryan Mbeumo: 7 – Mbeumo returned to the scoresheet with an easy finish off a Dalot assist in the 51st minute. The Cameroonian has still struggled to be clinical since his Player of the Month in October, but remains one of United’s most influential players.

Mason Mount: 8 – Mount’s perfect run and finish provided separation for United in the second half. He completed all 20 of his passes in the home side’s half and earned three free kicks for his team, while justifying his inclusion over Joshua Zirkzee in the starting eleven.

Matheus Cunha: 6 – Cunha claimed his first assist, albeit a lucky one, on the opening goal for Bruno Fernandes. He still needs to be more clinical, especially considering that he took eight shots in the game.

Substitutes

Leny Yoro: 7 – Since struggling as a starter, Amorim has managed Yoro perfectly. The young defender has regained his confidence while coming off the bench and looks ready to take over for Mazraoui when he leaves for AFCON.

Lisandro Martinez: 6 – Martinez logged his most minutes by far against Wolves and looked comfortable. He did well in possession, intercepted, and won a duel in 21 minutes.

Kobbie Mainoo: NR

Joshua Zirkzee: NR – Needless yellow card.

Patrick Dorgu: NR

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes