Mainoo's magnificent Molineux match-winner
Late winner
By Chris O'Brien
February 2 2024
Kobbie Mainoo struck a stunning late goal as Manchester United won a Premier League classic 4-3 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils looked to have surrendered a two-goal advantage at the death, as Pedro Neto flicked home to the delight of the Molineux crowd with 95 minutes on the clock.
It was a dramatic conclusion to a game which could have been more comfortable for United.
Marcus Rashford put reported off-field controversies behind him by breaking the deadlock after only five minutes, with Rasmus Hojlund doubling the advantage on 22 minutes as the visitors cruised ahead.
It was a dramatic conclusion to a game which could have been more comfortable for United.
Marcus Rashford put reported off-field controversies behind him by breaking the deadlock after only five minutes, with Rasmus Hojlund doubling the advantage on 22 minutes as the visitors cruised ahead.
Pablo Sarabia's penalty reduced the arrears, but the points looked in the bag for Erik ten Hag's side when Scott McTominay headed home with just a quarter of an hour to go - his seventh club goal, and a first since early December.
However, Wolves looked to have staged a remarkable late comeback, with Max Kilman's close finish coming ten minutes before Neto's dramatic equaliser.
But almost straight from kick-off, the pendulum swung back towards the travelling Red Devils. Only days after scoring his first Manchester United goal at Newport County, he bagged a stunning goal - nutmegging Kilman, cruising inside and curling a stunning shot home; to spark scenes of bedlam in the away end. Mainoo is looking like an unbelievable prospect for the club.
United are unbeaten in 2024 - with three wins and a draw, and return to action on Sunday as David Moyes brings his West Ham United charges to the North West of England. It's one of six games the club plays in a busy February.
What a win.
Full Time - Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-4 Manchester United
Attendance - 31,641