Man Utd show both sides as late self-destruction rescued by Mainoo stunner

01 February 2024 , 23:12

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Now they have all deserved a big night out to celebrate.

It was one of the most incredible games of the season with a sensational sting in the tail as Manchester United somehow came out on top in a seven goal thriller. And even Marcus Rashford’s return from the naughty step was overshadowed by United teenager Kobbie Mainoo when he snatched the 97th minute winner.

It was sheer chaos as United twice threw away a two-goal advantage, they were 3-1 up with just four minutes to go before Wolves staged an incredible fight back. And yet it finished United’s way as Erik ten Hag, his coaching staff and all of the substitutes raced onto the pitch to celebrate Mainoo's last gasp winner.

What a finish. What an incredible game. You just cannot beat the Premier League for sheer entertainment and drama.

But United should be scratching their heads as to how on earth they made it so difficult for themselves because they were outstanding in the first half. Rashford, straight back into the starting line-up after a week on the naughty step after his nightclub antics in Belfast, was electric.

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England star Rashford scored, played a part in Rasmus Hojlund’s second and he fully repaid Ten Hag’s faith in him. It was clever man management by Ten Hag but it would have looked weak if Rashford had not delivered. Instead, Rashford was superb and his brilliance rubbed off on Hojlund.

When they are at their best, United are a force to be reckoned with and could still have a say in the European places. When they press the self destruct button - as they nearly did late on - they are still horribly vulnerable and unpredictable.

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Kobbie Mainoo is mobbed by his Man Utd team-mates, including fellow goalscorers Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford

That was why Wolves - who had a rare off night - came back, never gave up and so nearly embarrassed the visitors with a brilliant comeback. It all started so well for United. They were ahead after five minutes and it had to be Rashford who finally let his football do the talking.

After a nice build-up down the right, Hojlund held up the ball nicely and then laid it off to Rashford who curled the ball home from the edge of the box. What a start. It did not take much longer for a second goal. And this time it was Rashford’s understanding with Luke Shaw which really paid dividends.

Alejandro Garnacho’s ball found Rashford, his slick pass sent Shaw down the wing on the overlap and the England left back’s near post cross was turned in by Hojlund who bravely threw himself at the ball to get the final touch. That is four in as many games for Hojlund.

Wolves were tepid but were gifted a 71st minute penalty after Neto danced into the penalty box, Casemiro’s challenge made the slightest of contact but referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and VAR upheld the decision.

Pablo Sarabia smashed home the penalty to give Wolves hope at 2-1. But that did not last long. Scott McTominay came on for Casemiro and United’s substitute scored within a minute as he stooped to head home Bruno Fernandes' corner. 3-1.

That should have been game over. But the drama was just starting. Craig Dawson’s shot fell to Max Kilman who forced home to make it 3-2 after 86 minutes and set up a grandstand finish - and that certainly arrived.

Neto made it 3-3 in the 95th minute with a low shot and the home fans went wild as they thought they had grabbed a point. But Mainoo saved United’s night with a 97th minute decider as he drove forward, cut inside and then fired into the bottom corner with a great goal worthy of winning such a great game.