Manchester United vs Wolves LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Raphael Varane scores winner

Manchester United got their 2023/24 Premier League campaign off to a winning start despite a poor performance at Old Trafford against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The visitors were the better side for most of the game with Matheus Nunes and Matheus Cunha finding lots of joy with runs through midfield but the midlands side lacked quality in front of goal. Debutant Andre Onana impressed for the hosts and made a number of saves in the second half to keep them ahead.

But, it was Raphael Varane who provided the difference. Jadon Sancho won a corner that was initially cleared. Varane stayed up the pitch and when Bruno Fernandes chipped it back into the box he was on hand to meet Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pass and head home the winner.

Relive the action as Manchester United host Wolves in the Premier League:

Manchester United vs Wolves

• Andre Onana takes centre-stage in more than one way with Man United flattered by victory

• FULL-TIME! - Man Utd hold Wolves at bay to clinch the points (MUN1-0 WOL)

• 76’ GOAL! - Varane heads the hosts in front (MUN 1-0 WOL)

• 56’ SAVE! - Onana turns Cunha’s shto wide of the post (MUN 0-0 WOL)

• 50’ POST! - Cunha strikes the upright after a sharp Wolves move (MUN 0-0 WOL)

• 32’ CLOSE! - Cunha comes closest with a snapshot across goal (MUN 0-0 WOL)

• 26’ CHANCE! - Sarabia’s shot gets deflected wide of the post (MUN 0-0 WOL)

• 12’ CHANCE! - Rashford’s effort is kept out by Sa (MUN 0-0 WOL)

Andre Onana takes centre-stage in more than one way with Man United flattered by victory

22:40 , Mike Jones

For Manchester United, the bare minimum was to make a better start to this season than last and the bare minimum was what they delivered. The least convincing of 1-0 wins required a goal from centre-back Raphael Varane when their midfielders and forwards rarely looked like scoring and when United often looked like conceding.

They were spared by Wolves’ toothlessness as they scraped their way past a team widely tipped for relegation and whose manager had walked out last week. Even that is an improvement on 12 months ago, when Erik ten Hag’s reign began with a home defeat to Brighton and a 4-0 thrashing at Brentford, but this was a different kind of false start to a campaign.

Even the clean sheet for the debutant Andre Onana was partly an indictment, of both his defence and the officials. The £43m goalkeeper somehow avoided conceding an injury-time penalty for clattering into the substitute Sasa Kalajdzic. He had already made two smart saves in as many minutes from another replacement, Fabio Silva.

The problem was that he needed to.

Onana takes centre-stage in more than one way as Man United fall flat

Karen Carney on the penalty shout

23:12 , Mike Jones

Speaking on Monday Night Football pundit Karen Carney said: “I think he’s [Gary O’Neil] right to feel aggrieved. Onana comes out committed, I think he takes his eye off it at the last minute, but he takes out the player.

“He just clatters him... it’s a penalty, no?”

FT Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

23:07 , Mike Jones

Wolves are without a win in nine Premier League away games (D2 L7) while they have lost each of their five, their longest top-flight losing streak on the road since a run of six between September and December 2011.

Since the start of 2020-21, they have failed to score in 45 Premier League games, more than any other side.

More from Erik ten Hag who spoke to Sky Sports saying:

23:02 , Mike Jones

“I think we matched the runs, the clean sheet tells that. We played organised but now we have to be better on the ball.

“We gave the ball away too easily. But we got a clean sheet and three points.

“At half-time the message was to be more calm, composed, get more switches in. Get in between the lines more, which we did and caused problems. When they broke we had to match the runs [from the strikers], and you lose that control.

“The creativity was not so good because we gave the ball away too easily.

“It is difficult [the VAR penalty decision]. The keeper was brave to come out to meet the ball. The ball was touched before Andre [Onana] dived in, so he did not influence the touch [attempt] from the Wolves player.

“The VAR checked it and said no penalty.”

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag gave his post-match thoughts to BBC Sport:

22:58 , Mike Jones

“It can be better. We can play better. But we’re very pleased with the win. The opposition were dynamic. We have to match that. We had to fight for our points.

“There is no easy game in the Premier League and definitely not Wolves. They’re a tough team and we did really well. You have to fight in every game.

“We hope we’ll be better on the ball in the next game.”

“He [Onana] had very good saves, was very calm, very good debut. After the opponent touched the ball he dived in so it was the judgement of the officials and lucky for us no penalty. I think you can debate it but I think no penalty.”

FT Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

22:55 , Mike Jones

Aaron Wan-Bissaka ended a run of 40 Premier League appearances for Manchester United with a goal involvement, since another assist against Liverpool in May 2021.

Onana becomes fifth African goalkeeper in the Premier League

22:53 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s Cameroonian Andre Onana became just the fifth African goalkeeper to appear in the Premier League - after Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe), Richard Kingson (Ghana), Carl Ikeme (Nigeria) and Edouard Mendy (Senegal).

He certainly made headlines on his debut.

‘VAR is pathetic’: Jeff Stelling and the best reactions to Andre Onana penalty incident against Wolves

22:49 , Mike Jones

Manchester United earned a victory at Old Trafford as they hosted Wolves for their opening Premier League match of the season. Raphael Varane headed the hosts ahead in the second half to earn Erik ten Hag’s men all three points but things could have been very different if a VAR decision had gone against the hosts.

Wolves, who were the more dominant side on the night, had a penalty shout late in stoppage time. Pedro Neto swung a cross in from the right wing and targeted the back post. Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, came off his line to claim the ball but arrived late.

He missed it and cleaned out Wolves substitute Sasa Kalajdzic in the process with the pair clashing heads as Kalajdzic crumpled to the deck.

‘VAR is pathetic’: Stelling and the best reactions to Onana penalty incident

Here are the thoughts of United’s matchwinner Raphael Varane

22:46 , Mike Jones

He told BBC Sport: “Very happy. It was a tough game against a very good team. It’s a good start to the season, three points, clean sheet.

“It’s a good start for him [Andre Onana]. We need time to build that connection on the pitch which is normal. He’s a very good player so he’ll help the team this season.

“The team spirit is already good but we want to improve. We want to be tough and hard to beat. We have to be connected on the pitch and aggressive. We did well. We can improve with the ball, more control, more calm.”

Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes speaking to Sky Sports:

22:43 , Mike Jones

“It was important to start with a win and three points. We had a great fighting spirit, not the best performance but we had to find a way to win the game.

“We scored the only goal in the game and that was the most important thing.

“Wolves have quality, a good team. With their new manager they played differently, more like Bournemouth did last season. On the way to press we did well to recover some balls but could have done better.

“They did many different things, the manager gave us options but on the pitch you need to find a way to figure out what the opponent is doing and adapt. They were really dangerous on the counter. For us it was not the perfect game but we got the win.

“Rapha [Varane] was there, we don’t normally train with him in the box [in open play] but he was there and he scored. We were really happy for that.

“Again, it was really important to start wth a win, it gives you confidence for the next one. Now it is about getting rest and training well for the next one.”

More from Wolves boss Gary O’Neil who had his say on the VAR decision

22:42 , Mike Jones

“I thought live it was a penalty. It looked like the keeper nearly took our forward’s head off. I think it is a foul, you go for the ball and clatter the player that hard, it is a penalty.

“I thought he was going over to the screen at first but unfortunately he booked me and not Onana.

“I understand the rules [of sticking with the on field decisions as much as possible], but I don’t fully accept it.

“I have spoken to the officials about it already. It is a dfifcult decison for the on-field official, we can’t just leave it. If we are all saying it then he need to have a look.

“In the end we can’t just focus on that decision. To come to Old Trafford and have the most shots of any side since 2005 and dominate after just four days of work is exceptional. The lads deserved more tonight.”

Reaction from Gary O’Neil

22:39 , Mike Jones

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil speaking to Sky Sports: “Yeah disappointed of course that we have to drive home with nothing. When I look what the lads gave and how hard they worked and stuck to the game plan, they were incredible.

“We wanted some points and we dont leave with any.

“We tried to overload the middle, create a box in there four versus three, lots of detail. Similar approach to what I have always done, while tweaking it with the players we have.

“But it isn’t all down to me, the players were great and executed it. We had some great chances but found a way somehow to not put the ball in the net.”

Full-time! Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:59 , Mike Jones

90+9 mins: There goes the whistle to signal the end of the game. Manchester United hold out to win the match and claim all three points.

Wolves were the better team on the night but they go home empty handed as Raphael Varane is the matchwinner for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag’s second season gets off to a winning start.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:56 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: Wolves whip crosses into the box and pile the pressure on Manchester United. The hosts cannot get the ball clear and Pedro Neto whips another one in from the right side.

Andre Onana comes to claim the ball and cleans out one of the Wolves players. VAR are checking for a potential penalty. It doesn’t look good for the United keeper.

But no! Nothing comes from it. Gary O’Neil is raging on the touchline and earns himself a yellow card.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:51 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Jadon Sancho has been good since his introduction. He’s looked to get forward and has been confident in possession. He draws a foul out of Craig Dawson to take a couple of seconds out of the game as the teams set up for a free kick.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:49 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Seven minutes of added time to play at Old Trafford. Wolves are the ones pushing for the win here. Fabio Silva has yet another shot blocked from inside the box, Luke Shaw leaping in front of the effort this time.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:47 , Mike Jones

88 mins: Marcus Rashford had a couple of half chances tonight but wasn’t able to showcase his best for the home side tonight. He’s taken off with Scott McTominay brought on to shore up the United defence for the final few minutes.

Wolves float a free kick into the penalty area but Onana comes out to confidently claim the ball.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:44 , Mike Jones

85 mins: Onana denies Fabio Silva from inside the box once again and Man Utd’s goalkeeper is having a fantastic debut at Old Trafford.

United are defending deep in order to hold on to their lead.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:42 , Mike Jones

82 mins: Save! Wolves sweep into the box from the right and cut the ball back to Fabio Silva who’s come off the bench for the visitors. He shoots first time but Andre Onana has the near post covered and blocks the ball wide of the target.

Man Utd 1-0 Wolves

21:39 , Mike Jones

79 mins: Marcus Rashford is sent into space on the left side of the pitch and drives the ball into the penalty area.

He eventually gets crowded out before recovering the ball and feeding it to Jadon Sancho but the offside flag goes up against Rashford for his initially run.

That’s a close call.

GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Wolves (Varane, 76’)⚽️

21:35 , Mike Jones

76 mins: The deadlock is broken! Bruno Fernandes dinks the ball into the box and plays in Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He chips the ball into the six-yard area where Raphael Varane, who’s stayed high after the corner, nods it home!

Manchester United lead.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:34 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Jadon Sancho wins a corner and encourages the crowd to raise the noise levels. Luke Shaw knocks it short and the resultant cross is easily dealt with by the visitors.

15 minutes to play at Old Trafford. All three results are still possible.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:31 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Pedro Neto goes in the book for having a few words with the assistant referee who awards Man Utd a throw in after he tussles with Luke Shaw.

Chance! Manchester United mess up a counter-attack and set Wolves free on the counter themselves. Matheus Cunha drives the ball to the box and plays in Hwang Hee-Chan.

Hwang pulls the ball across to Pedro Neto who shoots and pings his effort straight into the hands of Andre Onana.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:27 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Mason Mount’s Manchester United debut comes to a premature end as Christian Eriksen comes on to replace him. Mount had a tough night as United have struggled to control the game but he was one of the stronger performers in midfield.

Erik ten Hag also brings on Jadon Sancho to replace Alejandro Garnacho.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:26 , Mike Jones

66 mins: A sharp turn in the middle of the pitch from Matheus Cunha sees space open up for Wolves once again as United are forced to sprint back to defend.

Rayan Ai-Nouri brings the ball down the left side and gives it to Hwang Hee-Chan. Hwang shoots but smokes the shot wide of the target.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:22 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Hwang Hee-Chan enters the field for Wolves with Pablo Sarabia going off. Sarabia has had a decent night but reinforcements are needed now for the visitors.

Hwang’s first involvement sees him get clattered by Aaron Wan-Bissaka deep in United’s half.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:19 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Man Utd scramble to clear their lines. Bruno Fernandes manages to release Marcus Rashford down the left wing and he bombs it up the pitch.

Rashford takes the ball into the box but his squared pass it scooped away by Craig Dawson. The ball comes to Alejandro Garnacho who shifts it onto his left foot and blazes a shot high and wide.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:15 , Mike Jones

56 mins: Close! Garnacho sends a diagonal pass into the box and finds Antony who pulls the ball back. It hits Max Kilman and rebounds back towards goal but Jose Sa manages to cling onto the ball.

Chance! At the other end of the pitch Matheus Cunha receives the ball and drives through the middle. Manchester United don’t close him down and he shoots but Andre Onana is well set and drops to his left to turn the ball wide.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:12 , Mike Jones

53 mins: Close! Casemiro dinks the ball over the back line and plays Antony into the box. Jose Sa comes out to claim the ball but Antony beats him to it and chips a shot over the goalkeeper.

The ball looks to be heading in but Craig Dawson manages to get back and nod it over the crossbar.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:09 , Mike Jones

50 mins: Off the post!

Wolves sweep up the pitch on the counter-attack with Matheus Nunes carrying the ball forward.

He sends it over to Pablo Sarabia on the right who fizzes the ball to the far side of the box where Matheus Cunha hooks his shot into the near post!

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:06 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Pedro Neto weaves past a couple of United players on his way to the edge of the box. He links up with Pablo Sarabia and is fed the ball back only for Andre Onana to come flying off his line to turn the ball behind for a Wolves corner.

The set piece comes to nothing and the home side clear their lines.

Second half! Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:04 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag has made a change with Lisandro Martinez replaced by Victor Lindelof at the break. Man Utd get into a huddle before the match restarts and it’s Raphael Varane who’s giving the team talk.

Wolves get the game back underway.

HT Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:02 , Mike Jones

What is the Manchester United boss thinking at half-time? He may need to make some changes before the second half.

HT Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

21:00 , Mike Jones

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, spoke to Sky Sports before kick off saying: “I am very happy to be here. It is important for us to have a good start. I am excited and confident.

“We have so much quality, we have great players. I am here to do what the team needs.”

He’s had a decent debut so far but hasn’t really been challenged by Wolves yet. His passing has been strong though.

HT Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:56 , Mike Jones

Wolves didn’t look like a team that had just a few days to prepare for this match under a new manager. They were hungry, intense and physically stronger than Man Utd in most areas of the pitch.

The first half certainly belonged to them but Erik ten Hag’s men had a tendancy to play better in the second half of games last year. Will that be the case again tonight?

HT Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:52 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:48 , Mike Jones

45+2 mins: A misplaced pass gives the ball to Antony who sends it up to Rashford. Rashford touches the ball into the box and shoots but his effort is turned behind for a corner.

Bruno Fernandes floats the set piece onto the head of Raphael Varane who can’t find the target.

The whistle goes for half-time.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:45 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Two minutes added time to play at the end of the first half.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:45 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Alejandro Garnacho underhits a pass to Luke Shaw who arrives late on Pablo Sarabia, the Wolves players who gets to the ball first.

Wolves break into the back but United get players back to defend and eventually work the ball clear. The referee then goes over and books Shaw for the initially tackle.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:43 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Penalty shout! Aaron Wan-Bissaka swings a cross into the box from the right after sitting down Rayan Ait-Nouri and bringing it into the penalty area.

The ball comes over to Marcus Rashford who nods it towards goal and has his effort blocked by Nelson Semedo. The ball strikes him on the arm but the defender is stood in a natural position with his hands close to his chest.

VAR looks at the handball and doesn’t deem it a penalty.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:40 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Close! Rashford slips Luke Shaw into the penalty area and his square pass is fumbled by the goalkeeper.

Matheus Nunes and Alejandro Garnacho both lunge for the loose ball but the Wolves midfielder gets there first and pokes the ball away before getting cleaned out and winning a free kick.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:38 , Mike Jones

35 mins: Neither team has got into any sort of rhythm yet. Wolves have created the better chances with Manchester United still trying to get out of first gear.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:35 , Mike Jones

32 mins: Cunha is clipped by Casemiro and goes down. The referee doesn’t see the incident and tells the Wolves forward to get on with the game.

Mario Lemina is down now but Wolves carry on.

Chance! The visitors fly down the inside right channel and a one-two brings Cunha into the box. He shoots but nails his effort right across goal and sends it just wide of the back post!

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:32 , Mike Jones

29 mins: Mason Mount is involved in the midfield action and is working hard to recover the ball for United. A trailing arm from Mount catches Joao Gomes in the face and the Wolves man hits the deck to earn his team a free kick.

There hasn’t been many clear chances on goal yet with the sides instead trying to gain some control in the middle of the pitch.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:29 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Chance! Wolves slickly play the ball out from there own box and send it up to Matheus Cunha. He avoids a lunging tackle from Casemiro then shrugs off Lisandro Martinez.

Wolves have a three on two advantage as they approach the penalty area. Cunha passes the ball to the left where Pablo Sarabia drills a low shot at goal.

It takes a slight deflection off Raphael Varane and bobbles wide of the far post!

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:26 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes out Matheus Nunes deep in Wolves’ half. The visitors attempt to play the free kick quickly and get Matheus Cunha into space on the left wing but the pass goes straight out of play.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:23 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Andre Onana shows why he was brought in when he floats a diagonal pass over to Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing.

Garnacho brings the ball down and looks to take on Nelson Semedo but the defender is too strong and clever for the youngster. He holds his ground and gets between the Argentine and the ball before offloading it to safety.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:20 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Antony bombs it down the right wing before cutting inside and losing the ball. Wolves transition it quickly and fire Pedro Neto into space behind a forward thinking Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Antony tries to sprint back to recover the ball but he’s not fast enough meaning Lisandro Martinez has to come across to cover. The Argentina leaps into a sliding tackle, takes out Neto and earns himself a yellow card.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:17 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Rayan Ai-Nouri avoids a yellow card after a clear foul on Antony over by the right wing. He shoved the winger to the deck and lifted his arms in innocence.

United don’t utilise the free kick and instead send the ball back to Andre Onana to build another attack from the back.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:14 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Chance! Marcus Rashford gets into the game having been slipped into the right side of the box. He collects the ball and pings a shot towards the near post but Jose Sa has it covered and makes a decent save to deny the United forward.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:13 , Mike Jones

11 mins: Manchester United haven’t been great so far. They want to control possession and tempo but Wolves are pushing the hosts back and winning the ball in good areas.

Matheus Nunes makes a fine run down the left side and flicks the ball around Raphael Varane. He thinks he’s won Wolves a corner but the referee points for a goal kick.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:09 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Alejandro Garnacho slides into a 50/50 challenge and wins the ball ahead of Pablo Sarabia who clips the youngster with his follow through.

United are awarded a free kick and work the ball over to the right side of the pitch where they earn themselves a corner. Mason Mount is tasked with delivering it into box.

He whips it straight at Jose Sa who punches it away under threat before Wolves are awarded a free kick for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:07 , Mike Jones

5 mins: Manchester United are being put under heavy pressure inside their own final third as Wolves press high. Erik ten Hag wants his team to be able to play out from the back and they’re certainly trying to do so.

It hasn’t been entirely effective yet.

Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:05 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Nelson Semedo receives the ball in the middle of the pitch and flies forward up the pitch. Casemiro is forced to retreat and slides into a tackle as Semedo looks to chip the ball into the box.

His pass bounces out of play and the referee awards a goal kick. That was a good run from the Wolves right-back though and United were caught on their heels a bit.

Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Wolves

20:03 , Mike Jones

Bruno Fernandes kicks off the game at Old Trafford. He sends the ball back to Casemiro who passes it over to Luke Shaw. The home side whether a quick press from Wolves and give the ball to Andre Onana, the goalkeeper tasked with replacing David De Gea.

The ball is knocked out of play on United’s right side and the hosts win a throw in.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:58 , Mike Jones

Here come the players!

Bruno Fernandes and Max Kilman lead their respective sides out onto the pitch at Old Trafford. Manchester United will be hoping to get an early win under their belts and emulate the likes of Newcastle and Manchester City.

Kick off is up next...

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:52 , Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford scored 20 goals in 30 games at Old Trafford in all competitions last term - only Erling Haaland, with 35, netted more at home for a Premier League club in 2022-23.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:46 , Mike Jones

Wolves scored just 12 Premier League away goals in 2022/23 and only West Ham, with 11, had a worse record. Will Matheus Cunha celebrate his permanent contract with a goal tonight?

Erik ten Hag on Harry Maguire

19:42 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag says Harry Maguire needs to be confident enough to fight for his place or else he would be better off leaving the club.

Manchester United have accepted a £30m bid from West Ham for the former captain but he has been named in tonight’s matchday squad.

“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back,” said Ten Hag, “He is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?

“But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I’m happy with him.”

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:38 , Mike Jones

Wolves are winless in their previous eight Premier League away matches (two draws, six defeats), losing the last four in a row by an aggregate score of 15-1.

It is their longest losing run on the road since their return to the top flight in 2018.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:34 , Mike Jones

Manchester United conceded 10 Premier League home goals last season, fewer than any other side. Andre Onana will have big shoes to fill as he takes over as the No. 1 goalkeeper for the club.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:30 , Mike Jones

Wolves are in danger of losing their opening league fixture in three successive seasons for the first time since 1988-1990. Can they avoid defeat at Old Trafford or somehow go on to win?

Dean Henderson future uncertain after Manchester United goalkeeper injury

19:26 , Mike Jones

Manchester United face a decision whether to keep Dean Henderson after their third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton was ruled out for several weeks.

United have been in talks with Nottingham Forest for weeks and were willing to allow the England international to leave after signing Andre Onana.

But the veteran Heaton was injured in training and, while United are waiting to discover the full extent, he is certain to miss their first few fixtures.

Dean Henderson future uncertain after Manchester United goalkeeper injury

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:21 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag’s side have won their last six top-flight matches at Old Trafford. It is six years since they had better run at home, winning eight straight league games between May and November 2017.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:17 , Mike Jones

Manchester United are undefeated in 29 home matches in all competitions, with 25 wins and four draws, since losing 1-0 to Real Sociedad in the Europa League on 8th September 2022.

Will they extend that run this evening?

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:13 , Mike Jones

Wolves’ only clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League away matches was a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on 31 August 2022, a game which, coincidentally, was Gary O’Neil’s first as Cherries boss.

Man Utd vs Wolves

19:09 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have won their opening Premier League match on 20 occasions but have started with a defeat in two of the previous three seasons.

They lost to Brighton on the opening weekend last August but are unbeaten in their subsequent 18 Premier League home fixtures (15 wins, three draws), conceding just eight goals in this run.

Man Utd vs Wolves line-ups

19:04 , Mike Jones

Andre Onana is handed a debut in goal for Manchester United with Mason Mount also starting in his competitive debut for the club. Elsewhere, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is favoured over Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford starts as the centre forward.

Max Kilman captains Wolves after signing a five-year deal and Matheus Cunha starts up top after making his loan move to Wolves permanent this summer.

Manchester United vs Wolves line-ups

19:01 , Mike Jones

Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Garnacho.

Wolves XI: Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, Joao Gomes; Nunes, Sarabia, Neto; Cunha.

Man United will not ‘rush’ Rasmus Hojlund back to fitness

18:55 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag is excited by Rasmus Hojlund’s long-term future and confident Manchester United can cope without the injured new boy during the opening weeks of the season.

Despite a long-term interest in England captain Harry Kane, the Red Devils instead plumped for potential by signing the talented 20-year-old from Atalanta.

Hojlund joined last weekend in a £64million deal that could rise to £72million, but United fans will have to wait to see their new striker.

Man United will not ‘rush’ Rasmus Hojlund back to fitness – Erik ten Hag

What will Wolves’ gameplan be?

18:50 , Mike Jones

“It’s about getting everybody fully committed to the game plan and what we are,” said Gary O’Neil when asked how he plans to tackle Manchester United this evening.

“It’s early, we’ll have only been together three or four days before the game, but it’s a Premier League game, away at Manchester United, so we need everybody committed to everything we’ve got and see if we can pull off a really good positive result on our first outing.

“It won’t be anything too complicated, there will be some detail to go into the game and how we go about it, but the message from me to the group, to the supporters and to everyone involved will be to attack a game at Old Trafford, see where we can get to, see how we can perform and see where that gets us on the evening, dust ourselves down and go again.”

Ten Hag on improving his team

18:45 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag was asked how he hopes to build on an impressive debut season at Old Trafford.

“First of all, to keep that foundation. And it’s not normal that you have a season like last season, [when your home stadium is] like a fortress,” he said,

“We remember all the fights we were in, and we have to go again and to put 100 per cent effort in, in every game, but also in every training session to be ready for the fight. But we are looking forward to the fight. We are so, so excited for the fight. So that’s good.”

The Manchester United boss also added: “Yeah, it’s always a pleasure to enter Old Trafford and that is great. But it doesn’t matter if you play home or away. We have to win.”

Gary O’Neil previews tonight’s match against Man Utd

18:40 , Mike Jones

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil believes that tonight’s clash against Man Utd will be a big test for his team but he is looking forward to taking it on.

“It will be a big test. It always is,” said the Wolves manager, “When Wolves went there last season it was a big test, when I went there with Bournemouth last season it was a big test, when Man City go there it’s a big test, it’s a tough place to go, but I’m looking forwards to it.

“It’s a fantastic place to go and a massive place to take a team, and I’m proud to lead such a big club and go and compete at a top stadium against a top side.

“Of course, we want to come away with something, so a lot of work still to be done over the next 48 hours to make sure we’re ready.”

Erik ten Hag sends strong message to Harry Maguire as Manchester United exit looms

18:35 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag has told Harry Maguire to go to West Ham if he is not confident enough to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have accepted a £30m bid from the Hammers for their former captain, who has dropped out of the team as Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have become the first-choice centre-back partnership.

But while Ten Hag insisted he wants to keep Maguire as he hopes to have two players for every spot in the side, he believes the England international should go if he does not believe he can get back into the side.

Erik ten Hag sends strong message to Harry Maguire as Manchester United exit looms

Erik ten Hag is excited for the new season

18:30 , Mike Jones

Speaking ahead of tonight’s match Erik ten Hag spoke to Manchester United’s website and explained how he is excited to kick off the new Premier League season.

“I’m excited, of course,” he said, “There’s always a lot of preparation for the manager, it starts really in an early moment. But for the players, six weeks, five weeks and then you want to have a proper game, a real game, and the team is ready for it.

“We are in a very good level. We know that, when we see all the data, we are so much further than last season. So, we are in a good place for fitness levels.”

Manchester United vs Wolves

18:25 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have only been defeated once in their last 12 home league games against Wolves with eight wins and three draws.

That defeat was a 1-0 loss in January 2022, when Joao Moutinho scored the winner. Wolves have lost five of the last six league meetings.

Gary O’Neil on facing Manchester United first up

18:20 , Mike Jones

Former Bournemouth boss, Gary O’Neil, has taken charge at Wolves and his first match is tonight against Manchester United. Here’s what he had to say about taking on the Red Devils.

“They’re a good side, a very good side, and I watched a fair bit of them in pre-season, but I’ve still got more to do,” said O’Neil,

“They’ve had some good performances and some fantastic players, and I think they will be better than they were last season from what I’ve seen, so it’s going to be a big challenge.

“The big challenge for me will be that every other club in the league have been working towards this game for six weeks in a certain way and we’ve had a very different pre-season to that and have been working in a different way until four or five days to go.

“But there are no excuses in there and I’m aware we have a Premier League game on Monday, so I want to make sure the group is as ready as we can be.”

Fred completes move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce

18:16 , Mike Jones

Manchester United midfielder Fred has completed his transfer to Fenerbahce.

United announced a deal had been agreed between the two clubs on Friday and the Brazil international travelled to Turkey on Saturday for a medical and to discuss terms.

Both happened without an issue, so Fred heads to Istanbul in a move worth an initial 10million euros (£8.6m) rising to a possible 15m euros (£12.9m).

Fred completes move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce

Man Utd vs Wolves prediction

18:12 , Mike Jones

Manchester United will open their campaign with a hard-fought for victory against a Wolves side that tend to play well against the Red Devils.

Manchester United 2-0 Wolves.

Predicted line-ups

18:08 , Mike Jones

It’s still not clear how the managers will decide to line-up their two teams with strong options throughout both squads. Based on pre-season games though here’s how we see the teams lining-up tonight:

Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Garnacho.

Wolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, Joao Gomes; Nunes, Sarabia, Neto; Cunha.

Manchester United vs Wolves early team news

18:04 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s new striker, Rasmus Hojlund, will not feature in their opening match as he fights off a niggling injury while there are doubts over Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.

Andre Onana will make his Premier League debut for the club as goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson are definitely ruled out.

Wolves have confirmed that they do not have any injury concerns ahead of the game with defender Matt Doherty primed to start after returning to the club this summer.

When is Manchester United vs Wolves?

18:00 , Mike Jones

Manchester United vs Wolves is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Monday 14 August at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with coverage from 6.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via the Sky Go app.

Man Utd vs Wolves

17:21 , Mike Jones

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Premier League as this opening round of fixtures comes to a close when Manchester United host Wolves at Old Trafford tonight.

Erik ten Hag is hoping that overhauling his United squad this summer will breed a new brand of discipline into his players. The likes of David De Gea, Fred and Phil Jones have been moved on with reinforcements arriving in Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Marcus Rashford will be hoping to repeat his impressive performances from last year while Alejandro Garnacho hopes to nail down a starting place.

Similarly, Wolves have let some long-term players leave the club with Ruben Neves, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez moving on to pastures new. They have a new manager in Gary O’Neil and will hope to pull off a shock result at Old Trafford this evening.

Kick off for this one is at 8pm and we’ll have all the build-up, updates and team news so stick with us.