RAPHAEL Varane scored the only goal of a scrappy encounter tonight as Manchester United saw off a spirited Wolves side 1-0 in their English Premier League opener at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman headed the lacklustre hosts into the lead 14 minutes from time and they held on for the three points as Wolves were denied a late penalty.
Erik ten Hag’s side looked disjointed in their first match of the new season and hardly created a notable chance until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.
The right-back lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane rose above Nelson Semedo to head into an unguarded net.
Wolves, who appointed manager Gary O’Neil only last week, were the better side for most of the match and would feel they deserved at least a point.
Matheus Cunha should have given them the lead when Pablo Sarabia’s low cross found him unmarked in the United box but the otherwise impressive Brazilian hit the outside of the post.
Pedro Neto also had a great opportunity for Wolves but fired straight at goalkeeper Andre Onana before Varane’s winning goal.
Fabio Silva then had two goal-bound efforts saved by Onana, but the Cameroon goalkeeper was fortunate to avoid giving away a penalty in stoppage time when he missed the ball and charged into Sasa Kalajdzic as he came for a cross without making contact with the ball.
The video assistant referee (VAR) had several looks at the incident but did not invite the on-field referee to have a look as United clung on for the victory.
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