Erik ten Hag has hailed a ‘massive win’ for Manchester United after his side scored a stoppage-time winner to beat Wolves at Molineux.
Manchester United edged a thrilling 4-3 game with Kobbie Mainoo scoring in the 97th minute to decide the contest, after Wolves had fought back to level from two goals down.
United looked on course for a comfortable win when Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund put the visitors in control, with the former marking his return to the team with a fine finish into the far corner.
Pablo Sarabia’s spot-kick brought Wolves back into it, but substitute Scott McTominay headed home moments after his introduction to restore the Red Devils’ two-goal advantage.
However, Wolves fought back again and Max Kilman’s scrambled effort set up a grandstand finish. Gary O’Neil’s team then looked to have rescued a point when Pedro Neto netted a 95th minute leveller on the counter, only for Mainoo to score a sensational solo goal moments later to send the travelling fans wild.
Ten Hag’s team climb up to seventh and the Dutchman praised his team for grinding out the win, despite the naivety in failing to kill off the game when ahead.
“It is massive, the win. But this match has a lot of sides. But let’s take first the positives,” Ten Hag said at his post-match press conference,
“I think we played very good and dictated the game for an hour. We should go up 3-0 or 4-0 but we didn’t and then in the end it is quite naïve. The way we conceded goals shouldn’t happen but then we showed resilience. Especially Kobbie Mainoo. It was a great goal.”
Ten Hag was full of praise for Mainoo, whose goal was the latest eye-catching moment from the teenager. The 18-year-old has made a big impact since his first Premier League start in November and continues to impress with his mature performances.
“He is making incredible progress. He has great abilities, he is the modern midfield player. He can defend and attack but also he has the physicality to do both ways. He is also composed.”
