Varane eases United nerves after early Wolves storm
The Guardian|August 15, 2023
It was far from deserved but Manchester United and Erik ten Hag started their tricky second album with a win thanks to Raphaël Varane's header against Wolves.
Will Unwin
Varane eases United nerves after early Wolves storm

The visitors wasted a collection of chances to ensure one goal was enough to collect three points. Wolves leave Old Trafford frustrated but with the hope that their new era does not look as doomed as many feared when Julen Lopetegui left days before the season started, while United will be relieved to get off the mark.

Ten Hag selected two debutants, with André Onana starting in goal and Mason Mount in midfield, while Gary O'Neil-their manager - was the only new arrival for Wolves from the first whistle. Fitting Mount and Bruno Fernandes into one side will have given Ten Hag plenty to consider, eventually putting them in central midfield in front of Casemiro. A back injury meant new signing Rasmus Højlund was not permitted the chance to make his first appearance for United.

The new season was met with protests outside before kick-off as fans expressed their upset with the Glazer ownership of the club and they were joined by a separate manifestation regarding Mason Greenwood, while United debate whether to bring him back into the fold. They have delayed an announcement of his potential return after an internal investigation into the forward. Inside the ground there were banners and loud chants of "We want the Glazers out", over frustration that the potential sale of United drags on.

This story is from the August 15, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

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This story is from the August 15, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

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