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United View: Garnacho’s return and FA Cup final defeat

Old Trafford.

After back-to-back defeats, a 2-0 win against Wolves wasn’t just a return to form for Manchester United.

It puts them one step closer to securing a top-four finish and eases some of the pressure just as doubt was starting to creep in amongst the fanbase

Overall, it was a comfortable performance on Saturday. Wolves failed to produce a single shot on target and with such poor form away from home perhaps it was foolish to feel apprehensive to expect anything other than a win.

But given United’s knack for squandering early chances, there was still anxiety in the air at Old Trafford, which was only heightened when Antony missed a glaring opportunity early on.

Thankfully the Reds found the net thanks to Anthony Martial. Bruno Fernandes sent Antony through on goal who squared the ball to the Frenchman who calmly slotted it away.

From there Ten Hag’s men were untroubled and could have run away with it had it not been for Wolves’ keeper Daniel Bentley, pulling off some impressive saves to keep his side still in it.

Despite some late nerves, an Alejandro Garnacho goal wrapped things up for United. It was his first appearance since picking up an injury in January and it felt fitting that he marked his return with a goal.

The crowd gave him a roaring reception as he warmed up, singing his name as if they were pleading with Erik Ten Hag to bring him on. It’s clear the impact he’s had on the Old Trafford crowd after such a short period in the first team.

The young Argentinian has been utilised mostly as an impact sub this season and it will be interesting to see if he can make the transition into a fully-fledged starter. He certainly has the confidence to suggest that he will be.

United next travel to Bournemouth where another win would leave the Reds needing one win from their final two games to secure Champions League football. Although the Cherries are safe from the drop, they have shown themselves to be tricky opponents, especially at home.

Meanwhile, it was commiserations for Manchester United women as they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Sam Kerr scored the only goal for Emma Haye’s side as they lifted the trophy for the third successive year.

Despite the disappointment, it was still a historic day. A record-breaking crowd attendance for a domestic women's game. A remarkable feat for the women’s game and for a team that was only reassembled five years ago. Support is continuing to grow.

It was a strong first half for Marc Skinner’s side. A tight offside call ruled out a goal within the first minute and United had the better of the chances. Millie Turner’s deflected effort forced a brilliant save from Chelsea’s Ann-Katrin Berger and was the closest the Reds came to opening the scoring.

United needed to punish Chelsea during this spell of dominance as Emma Haye’s side has been like a machine in recent years. And her side came out stronger for the second half. Kerr’s strike was enough as United were unable to find a way back.

It’s gutting the players and staff, but they should still be proud of their efforts so far this season. Going beyond expectations and still within a chance of winning the Women’s Super League. Hopefully, they can continue this success in the coming years and make a swift return to Wembley.

They next play Manchester City at home on Sunday but they still need Chelsea to drop points. Hayes’s Chelsea still has a game in hand over United, but they still have to play Arsenal.

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