United View: United need to improve after a scrappy opening-day win

Manchester United scraped by on opening day with a 1-0 win over Wolves. Erik Ten Hag’s side was outclassed for the majority of the contest but just about hung on to start the season with all three points.

Raphael Varane’s headed goal after 76 minutes was enough for the win. Getting on the end of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross after he was found in space by the new Captain Bruno Fernandes with a lovely pass.

It was the only real piece of quality from the home side, as they lacked any sort of threat going forward. Two unlikely players combined to break the deadlock, sparing the blushes of the ineffective front line.

United looked as though they were stuck in pre-season. They were slow in possession, unable to create many meaningful chances and Wolves found it too easy to dribble through central areas.

Full credit to Gary O’Neil and his side because even though behind the scenes has been a shambles at Molineux, they turned up at Old Trafford with a brave game plan. And had it not been for some poor finishing and controversial VAR check, they could have come away with something.

In total Wolves had 23 shots, the most at Old Trafford in the Premier League since 2005. Nunes and Cunha – both called Matheus – were able to Waltz through at will. Casemiro was crucial for most of last season but looked unfit and thus Wolves were able to power past him with ease.

He wasn’t the only one who had a poor game though. The front three were unproductive against the opposition's low block. With Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford all being substituted.

Rasmus Hojlund was still unavailable through injury but United need to get him fit because the number nine spot is there for the taking, with Rashford being better suited to the left wing.

New signing Mason Mount will undoubtedly have better games in a United shirt too. He was brought off for Christian Eriksen after a passive performance. It’s likely it will take time for him and the team to get accustomed to each other.

The same goes for Andre Onana. United’s new keeper made some important saves, but teammates will have to get used to his build-up play.

However, he also showed his rash side, flying out for crosses, one of which almost gave away a late penalty, but it was waved away by VAR. The PGMOL later said this was a mistake. Another lucky escape for the Reds.

After the game, Erik Ten Hag said he was very happy to have won, praising his players for their mentality to find a way to win. Although, he also admitted they need to improve if they want to continue to win.

His side will next travel to Spurs who have adopted an ultra-attacking approach under Ange Postecoglou, who will feel he can get at United, even without Harry Kane spearheading the attack.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some changes to the starting eleven as United can ill afford to start another season poorly. They got away with it against Wolves but will not be so fortunate against teams with better-attacking players.

But it is only one game and thankfully the Reds did come away with three points, somehow. This still should be a huge wake-up call for United, who fell well below expectations against Wolves.

A win against Spurs would be a massive morale boost, however, the level of performance needs to significantly increase to achieve this. Nevertheless, a good start for United, even if it was too close for comfort towards the end.