Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘can be better’ after watching his side secure a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves in their Premier League opener.
United opened the season with three points in front of an expectant home crowd at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils struggled for long periods against a wasteful Wolves, who created the better chances.
Raphael Varane scored the only goal of the game after heading home Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross, after Matheus Cunha had spurned a glorious chance to open the scoring for Wolves, turning Pablo Sarabia’s low cross against the post from close range.
Pedro Neto also came close for the visitors and should have done better when shooting straight at Andre Onana, who was fortunate not to concede a late penalty after a collision with two Wolves players inside the area. Wolves’ 23 shots at goal is the highest total an away side has recorded at Old Trafford since 2005.
Ten Hag admitted his team performed below expectations, but was pleased to start the Premier League season with a win.
“It can be better. We can play better. But we’re very pleased with the win,” Ten Hag told BBC Sport.
“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.”
