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      James Ward-Prowse in astonishing rant at Southampton team-mates after relegation as he is linked with transfer exit

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      JAMES WARD-PROWSE has hit out at his Southampton teammates for not doing enough all season following their relegation.The Saints have been confirmed as the first club to be relegated from the top flight this season after their limp 2-0 defeat to Fulham.
      James Ward-Prowse has slammed his team-mates in an astonishing rantCredit: https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1657418719792865289
      Skipper Ward-Prowse backed the club to bounce straight back to the Premier League, but said standards have slipped from day one this season.
      Southampton have sacked two managers and suffered a club record 24 defeats with two games left to go.
      Ward-Prowse said: “It’s disappointing. It is a moment that has been coming.
      “We knew we had put ourselves in a difficult position.
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      “When these things happen you go away individually and as a club and ask if you have done enough? I don’t think we have. We talk about leaving things out there and ultimately that is why we are where we are now.
      “Have decisions been right? Have we been good enough on the pitch? Have we done enough as a team to progress? I believe we should be performing at a better level than we have done and we have not done that on a consistent basis.
      “From the first day of the season until now you can tell the standards have slipped.
      “I have been here right through form eight-years-old, for all the ups an downs. I’m sure with the good people at the club it will be back in the Premier League in no time.”
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      The England international is now likely to leave the club, with Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham having shown interest in the past.
      But Ward-Prowse would not be drawn on his future.
      He said: “I’m not thinking too far ahead. We’ve just been relegated form the Premier League. I’m not looking beyond tomorrow.”It’s about sticking together and dealing with it in the right way.
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      “Over the last 10 years we have had that kind of consistency and that has wavered.
      “It will be testing for everybody but these are the times that make you as a player and as a club, we have done it before and we will do it again.”
      Manager Ruben Selles added: “As a club we need to evaluate and see what the standards that James referred to are and be sure that when we start the next season or when the club starts the next season those standards are on point.” More

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      Fulham fans aim cheeky chant at Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister watches Southampton get relegated

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      FULHAM fans trolled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after a heartbreaking loss that saw his boyhood team Southampton relegated.Saints fan Sunak attended the Premier League clash at St Mary’s and saw Ruben Selles’ team lose 2-0 to the Cottagers after goals from Carlos Vinicius and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended Southampton’s game with FulhamCredit: Rex
      Fulham fans trolled Southampton supporter Sunak as his team got relegatedCredit: Getty
      And the visitors’ supporters noticed the PM in the VIP section and decided to pour some salt on his wounds as the hosts were condemned to the Championship for the first time in 11 years.
      Fulham fans chanted:: “Rishi, what’s the score? Rishi, Rishi, what’s the score?”
      The Prime Minister stopped short of joining in the gallows humour of home fans chanting: “We’re going down” after four minutes.
      But pictures emerged of Sunak looking dejected with how the game panned out for his beloved Southampton.
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      And fans watching at home decided to join in on all the banter via social media.
      One fan tweeted: “Rishi Sunak goes to watch the Southampton match… Southampton get relegated. Coincidence?”
      Another commented: “Rishi Sunak just watched Southampton get relegated. Think he’ll get used to that feeling!”
      This Southampton fan said: “Southampton going down. Rishi Sunak at the game.
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      “Could it actually be any worse at our club?.”
      This supporter said: “Not even PM Rishi Sunak could help Southampton avoid relegation with his attendance today and show of solidarity.”
      And that one stated: “Wait, Rishi Sunak is at the Southampton-Fulham game? 🤣”
      After the Tories took a beating in local elections last week, Sunak must be a glutton for punishment.
      An old institution burning through three leaders in a year, sliding backwards after more than a decade at the top table – it’s all alarmingly familiar.
      The Prime Minister will be hoping to do better than Selles when he returns to his duties with the Conservative party now trailing to Labour in the polls by 17 points. More

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      Fans all say the same thing as under-fire Man Utd keeper David De Gea WINS Premier League Golden Glove

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      FOOTIE fans all said the same thing after David de Gea got his hands on the Premier League Golden Glove.A clean sheet in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday saw the Spaniard bag the trophy for only the second time.
      David de Gea kept a clean sheet in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over WolvesCredit: REX
      His latest shutout bagged him the Premier League Golden GloveCredit: GETTY
      The Spaniard posed with the Golden Glove along with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson
      The 32-year-old’s 16th clean sheet of the season saw him get his hands on the Golden Glove with THREE games to spare.
      But footie fans were quick to comment on the Spain international’s inconsistent form and series of howlers in recent seasons.
      One tweeted: “Doesn’t deserve it.”
      Another said: “This is as bad as the Ole appointment.”
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      And another said: “Most undeserved golden glove award.”
      One remarked: “Winning the golden glove while we conceded so many careless goals (some due to him) is seriously ironic and funny.”
      Another chimed in: “Thank the defence pal.”
      One of the Old Trafford faithful said: “All those years when DDG carried us and didn’t win a Golden Glove.
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      “He definitely deserves to take this one.
      “Especially after [Chris] Smalling robbed him of one.”
      Another Red Devils fan said: “Crazy to think we’ve been pummelled a few times yet we’re clear with most clean sheets.”
      Although he’s been handed the Golden Glove, De Gea could end up sharing it with Alisson, Nick Pope or Aaron Ramsdale – who all have 13 clean sheets to their name.
      Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho saw United bounce back from consecutive defeats to Brighton and West Ham and move level on points with third-placed Newcastle.
      Manager Erik ten Hag said: “We had to bounce back after big defeats.
      Erik ten Hag was thrilled with Alejandro Garnacho’s displayCredit: GETTY
      “We had no energy and played slow [in those games]. Today we had to win and we did it.
      “We are very good at making the opponents’ goalkeeper man of the match.
      “We have to be more clinical. We have to work on better conversion.
      The Dutchman said of Garnacho: “He was injured for a couple of weeks.
      “He worked hard. Straight impact. We have seen many times this season his impact from the bench.
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      “Every game is difficult. You have to be ready for every match.”
      The Red Devils will be back in action next Saturday, travelling to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth. More

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      Rio Ferdinand and pregnant wife Kate in shock security scare after intruders spotted in grounds of their mansion

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      RIO Ferdinand and his heavily pregnant wife Kate were left in shock after intruders were spotted in the grounds of their plush mansion.The security scare is said to have left the couple, who share four children, shaken up.
      The couple were reportedly the target of intruders on Friday night after a security breach saw people on their propertyCredit: Social media – Refer to source
      Rio has three children with late first wife Rebecca, one boy with ex-Towie star Kate, and a little girl on the wayCredit: Instagram
      Ferdinand, who has three children with late first wife Rebecca, and one boy with ex-Towie star Kate, owns the stunning mansion in an exclusive estate in the Home Counties.
      But an insider has revealed the property was compromised on Friday night when intruders were seen casing the grounds.
      The family appear to be putting on a brave face as recent social media posts from Kate show no signs of distress.
      In one of her latest videos today the 31-year-old showed off some passionfruit and mango smoothies, with the caption: “Lazy but very loud Saturdays. Well, it’s loud every day in this house.”
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      The former Towie star became stepmum to Lorenz, 16, Tate, 14, and Tia, 12, after getting together with ex-England and Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand and marrying in 2019.
      His first wife Rebecca Ellison had died of breast cancer in 2015, aged 34.
      Kate is currently expecting their second child, a sister for their little boy.
      It is understood an investigation into the terrifying security breach is ongoing.
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      This comes after Ferdinand – who also represented West Ham, Leeds United and QPR in his career – was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in London last week.
      The former centre-back was selected after a vote by fans across the world from a 15 person shortlist.
      The 44-year-old became the 17th player to join the Hall of Fame after eight legendary stars were inducted in both 2021 and 2022.
      He joins Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in the ‘Class of 2023’, with the two Premier League icons the first managers to be inducted.
      And the former England ace is not the only player to have been targeted by break-ins.
      Football star Raheem Sterling had to rush home after his gated home was hit by burglary during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
      The Chelsea forward and his family were left “shaken” by the terrifying experience.
      And this was not the first time, the dad-of-three was also targeted when he played for Manchester City and lived in Cheshire in 2018.
      Another former England footballer, Ashley Cole, also described being terrified after he thought robbers would spray his face with bleach and “set him alight” during a horrific raid.
      A court heard how the raiders used a hammer to smash bifold doors before restraining Cole and fiancée Sharon Canu, mum to their son and daughter, with cable ties.
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      In 2021, Chris Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and toddler son when three hooded men broke into his home.
      The ex-England defender, 31, who plays for Italian club Roma, was sleeping when the armed thugs broke into his home and forced him to open his safe.
      Ferdinand was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in London last weekCredit: Getty
      The former centre-back was selected after a vote by fans across the world from a 15 person shortlistCredit: Getty
      The former Towie star became stepmum to Lorenz, 16, Tate, 14, and Tia, 12, after getting together with Rio and marrying in 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes puts on all-action display vs Wolves but Jadon Sancho simply not involved enough

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      MANCHESTER UNITED beat Wolves 2-0 at Old Trafford to boost their Champions League hopes.United needed a win over Julen Lopetegui’s side after third-placed Newcastle’s surprise 2-2 draw at Leeds.
      Manchester United defeated Wolves 1-0 at Old TraffordCredit: EPA
      Anthony Martial opened the scoring after 32 minutes when Bruno Fernandes played Antony through and the winger brought Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley off his line.
      The Brazil international then found Martial who scored in front of open goal.
      United sealed the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time with Alejandro Garnacho after a wonderful assist by Fernandes.
      The Red Devils are now fourth in the Premier League table with the same points as the Magpies.
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      But who stood out and who struggled for Man Utd? SunSport’s Neil Custis rates every single player at Old Trafford:
      DAVID DE GEA – 6
      Thankfully for him Wolves didn’t have enough up front to test his nerves after a blunder last time out against West Ham.
      AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7
      Consistently on-form in the second-half of this season both in defence and going forward.
      VICTOR LINDELOF- 7
      With recent injuries to both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Lindelof has had to step up and he has done just that.
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      RAPHAEL VARANE – 7
      Returned after a month out and brought his usual calm assurance with him to the back four.
      LUKE SHAW – 7
      The handball at Brighton was an unusual error from the England international who has barely put a foot wrong at least of late.
      CASEMIRO – 5
      Seems to have gone into his shell since the second of his red cards this season. Gave the ball away twice when not under any pressure in the first half.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5
      Like Casemiro he has gone a  bit quiet. Not dictating games like he did in the first half of the season.
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      Manchester United star Anthony Martial opened the scoring against WolvesCredit: Getty
      ANTONY – 6
      Set up Martial’s goal but wasted two great opportunities of his own not least a point blank header.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
      Was all action himself while too many around him were static. Always looking for an an opening and found one thanks to Garnacho’s movement, putting him through on goal to score.
      JADON SANCHO – 5
      And still United fans wait for the player that thrilled everyone when he was at Borussia Dortmund. Simply not involved enough, although did pull a good save out of Dan Bentley in the second-half.
      ANTHONY MARTIAL – 6
      Couldn’t miss the chance laid on a plate for him but not active enough upfront and understandably eventually subbed. United desperately need a number nine.
      SUBS:
      WOUT WEGHORST (On for Martial 69) – 5
      Sent a chance with a header over. Just not good enough for United.
      FRED (Eriksen 82) – 6
      Added a bit of urgency to the midfield.
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      HARRY MAGUIRE (Varane 82) – 6
      Got a vital block in from Adama Traore’s dangerous driven cross late on.
      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Sancho 82) – 7
      Back from injury after eight weeks out and what a way to return as he slotted home the second goal in injury time. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Raheem Sterling puts on vintage two-goal display but Blues can only draw with Nottingham Forest

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      RAHEEM STERLING scored twice but Chelsea failed to win at home for the sixth game in a row as Nottingham Forest took a big step to Premier League safety with a 2-2 draw.Forest had led after Taiwo Awoniyi beat three players – including Edouard Mendy playing his first game since November – to the ball to head into an empty net.
      Raheem Sterling scored twice as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      Taiwo Awoniyi scored two headers for Forest, who earned a valuable point in their fight for survivalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Raheem Sterling then put on a vintage display to get Chelsea into the lead, first turning in a Trevoh Chalobah cut-back before curling in a stunning effort after cutting inside Felipe.
      But as quickly as Chelsea had taken the lead they had lost it – the Blues failed to properly deal with a giant Moussa Niakhate throw and when Orel Mangala turned the ball back into the box, Awoniyi stole in ahead of a sleeping Lewis Hall to head in the equaliser.
      The two sides played out a frantic final 20 minutes and although both sides had chances, a draw was a fair result on the day.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Sheen rated the Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge…
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      Edouard Mendy – 4
      Back in the side for the first time since November and his rustiness showed the first time he was called upon.
      Went into no man’s land to try and deal with Renan Lodi’s cross, but was beaten to the ball by Awoniyi, who headed into an empty net. Better in the second half.
      Taiwo Awoniyi beat three Chelsea players to the ball to score the opening goalCredit: Alamy
      Trevoh Chalobah – 8
      Defended well with a couple of good blocks on Danilo and has shown increased confidence in forward areas in the last couple of weeks from right-back, where he is starting to blossom.
      Put in a couple of good crosses in the first half and notched an excellent, composed assist when he picked out Raheem Sterling for the equaliser.
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      Thiago Silva – 6
      Beaten to the ball by an impressive leap from Awoyini for the goal.
      Generally defended well and as excellent as ever on the ball, but in one of the key moments of the game he lost an important battle.
      Benoit Badiashile – 6
      Similar to his centre-back partner, defended well for the most part but that bad error cost Chelsea a goal.
      Matched up well with the physicality of the Forest No 9 and should be a sure selection in the remaining games of the season.
      Lewis Hall – 7
      Really impressive performance for the teenager, with the decision to keep him out of the Under-20 World Cup looking like a good one.
      Showed an excellent engine getting up and down his flank and was one of the only players to deliver real quality in the final third. Asleep for Awoniyi’s second though, a big error from the youngster that brings his score down.
      Connor Gallagher – 7
      The same as ever with Gallagher, he worked his socks off and was a key part of Chelsea winning back so much possession high up the pitch.
      However, the quality in the final third is just not there, which presents a real problem for a team defending against a low block.
      Enzo Fernandez – 7
      Kept possession very well under limited pressure from Forest and once or twice showed the type of defence-splitting long passing that would justify his huge fee and that reminded of Cesc Fabregas’ best days.
      He’s not quite at Cesc’s level just yet, but a decent performance in the middle.
      Mateo Kovacic – 4
      Lost possession on the build-up to the goal and then went off injured just before half-time.
      Kept possession well but wasn’t able to carry the ball in his trademark fashion.
      Noni Madueke – 4
      He’s a truly thrilling player to watch and has a deep bag of tricks that helps him create space from his defender and get into dangerous positions.
      However, he is as raw as they come with his final ball and his crossing and passing was poor, he had ample opportunity to lay passes on for his team-mates but they were either misplaced or misjudged.
      Joao Felix – 4
      Such a frustrating player to watch. One of the most talented players on the pitch on any given day, all the talent he has should manifest itself into more goals and assists than it does.
      Poor service from his team-mates plays a part, but Felix should do more and he was rightly subbed off.
      Raheem Sterling – 8
      Struggled in the first half but his two goals were vintage Sterling. The first saw him lose his marker in the box with a deft bit of movement and his first-time finish – although deflected, was decisive.
      The second was beautiful, drifting over to the left and then cutting inside Felipe before curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
      Raheem Sterling scored a brilliant second goal, curling an unstoppable effort past Keylor NavasCredit: Getty
      Subs
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Kovacic, 44) – 8
      Injected much-needed physicality into the Chelsea midfield and his powerful burst forward and smart pass brought Sterling his second goal.
      Looked like a player fighting for his Chelsea future.
      Hakim Ziyech (for Madueke, 74) – 5
      Saw a huge amount of the ball after coming on but his crossing was totally wayward.
      Some were overhit and some were under-hit – but none of them reached their intended target.
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      Kai Havertz (for Felix, 74) – 4
      Barely had a touch when he came on, with Chelsea failing to create anything for their forward..
      Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Christian Pulisic, David Fofana. More

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      Man Utd 2 Wolves 0 LIVE RESULT: Garnacho and Martial give Utd big boost in Champions League hopes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have beaten Wolves 2-0 as they hunt down a top four spot.Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho sealed all three points at Old Trafford.
      The United are now on the same points as third-placed Newcastle, and four points ahead of Liverpool in fifth.

      Result: Man Utd 2 Wolves 0
      Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Martial
      Wolves XI: Bentley; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Gomes; Nunes, Neves, Lemina, Neto; Costa, Cunha

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      Follow ALL the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below…
      Less samba style, more solidity
      Casemiro put in another great performance for United today.
      Playing as defensive midfielder, a position that all too often goes overlooked, he was integral to this win.
      His ability to break up play, cover for team mates and act as a link between defence and attack was hugely important.

      FT: Man Utd 2-0 Wolves
      Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho seal the victory for Man Utd at Old Trafford.
      Wolves failed to register a single shot on target in the game.
      Yet another clean sheet for Erik ten Hag’s side at home today.

      FT: Man Utd 2-0 Wolves
      The referee blows the final whistle to a huge cheer from the home crowd as they secure all three points.
      Man Utd fully deserved their win but did it the hard way.
      That won’t matter to these fans as they move one step closer to the top four finish they crave.
      Man Utd 2-0 Wolves
      90+6. As the Wolves attack breaks down, Man Utd manage to counter attack with pace and numbers.
      The pass is perfectly timed into the path of Garnacho, he dummies the early shot and bides his time.
      He aims for the near post and sees hit effort clip the inside of the post and into the back of the net.
      Goal – Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      90+4. It is looking increasingly like United will hold on for the three points here.
      The biggest factor that may help their securing a top four place is the opposition they have left to play.
      Another team may have tested them more today in the final third.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      90+2. Wolves see the chance to come and look for a goal now.
      United get players back and Antony manages to block the cross.
      Pondence does well and United manage to scramble the ball away.
      Credit: AP
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      90. Disappointing effort as Fernandes lifts it over the crossbar.
      Man Utd win the ball back and attack with pace, Fernandes lays the ball off to Antony.
      His shot is hit with power into the bottom corner but Bentley makes yet another great save.
      We are going to have six additional minutes at Old Trafford.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      88. Fred starts to run at the Wolves defence and his hauled to the ground.
      Craig Dawson is shown a yellow card for the challenge.
      Big chance for United with a free kick in a central position, just outside of the box.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      86. Wolves are trying to find an equaliser now.
      United win it back and are able to counter with numbers.
      Garnacho’s pass sends Fernandes wide but he manages to win a corner.
      He then moans to his team mate that he was not happy with the pass.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      84. United have failed to kill this game off so many times.
      The Old Trafford crowd will be hoping they are not made to pay for this.
      Wolves come on the counter attack but are lacking options as Traore crosses and Maguire manages to block for a corner.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      82. Casemiro shoots from outside the box and Bentley makes a great save, low down to his right.
      The debutant has certainly kept his side in this game today.
      Weghorst meets the corner six yards out but heads it well over the bar.
      Credit: Getty
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      80. With only a goal between the two sides, this will be a nervy end to the game for the Man Utd fans.
      It looks like United are going to make more substitutions.
      Maguire and Fred come on for Varane and Eriksen.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      78. Hwang is down on the ground, holding his face, punching the ground.
      The replay shows that Lindelof catches him with a stray elbow, no intention though.
      Diego Costa comes off for Raul Jimenez.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      76. Weghorst has come on for Martial for United.
      The hosts whip in a corner but Kilman heads it behind at the cost of another.
      This time Bentley does well to come and collect the ball.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      74. So close to a second goal for Man Utd.
      Sancho cuts inside into the box and hits a great shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
      Bentley gets down to make a great save, tipping it around the post.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      72. Wolves are starting to come forward more.
      Podence goes down holding his face on the edge of the box.
      Fortunately for Man Utd, the referee is not interested at all.
      Credit: Getty
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      70. Wolves counter at pace and slot a ball over the top of the United defence.
      de Gea comes charging out of his box and almost wipes out Hwang.
      Luckily for United he manages to pull out of the challenge and does not make any contact on the Wolves attacker.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      68. Man Utd are using the big Old Trafford pitch to their advantage.
      Making the visitors run for the ball, wearing them down.
      ten Hag is readying his subs on the touchline.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      66. United seem to have stopped pressing in the final third.
      Wolves are able to pass the ball around with no pressure on them whatsoever.
      Man Utd seem content in the lack of action on de Gea’s goal.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      64. It is debatable whether Bruno Fernandes Wikipedia page should describe him as full-time footballer, part-time actor.
      Officials seem wise to this now as he gets far less decisions going his way.
      He picks the ball up inside the box, cuts inside and shoots but Bentley is equal to it.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      62. Bruno Fernandes is down and receiving treatment.
      He certainly does keep the physios fit on matchdays.
      Bueno comes on for Toti for Wolves.
      Podence also comes on for the visitors.
      Fernandes is back to his feet with yet another miraculous recovery from the reaction to the challenge.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      60. United work the ball to Antony on the edge of the box.
      He gets a left footed shot away which is inches wide of the goal.
      As Wolves look to counter, Wan-Bissaka is penalised for a foul.
      Credit: Getty
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      58. Varane has been a big addition to this United defence today.
      He has won some crucial headers in the box when Wolves attack.
      Hwang manages to meet the corner but yet again it is a tame header wide of the United goal.
      Man Utd 1-0 Wolves
      56. Martial goes down looking for a free kick but the referee is not interested despite the striker holding his ankle for effect.
      Wolves are starting to get some joy down the right hand side.
      The ball is whipped in and Diego Costa almost gets on the end of it.
      Load more entries… More

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      Man Utd 2 Wolves 0: Garnacho scores just minutes into incredible return to fire hosts towards Champions League football

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL rediscovered the golden touch in front of his old gaffer to shoot his current one a step closer to the Champions League.Martial had managed just three goals since the turn of the year and had drawn a blank in his previous eight games.
      Alejandro Garnacho scored on his return from injuryCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial scored the opening goal against WolvesCredit: Getty
      He fired home after being set up by AntonyCredit: PA
      The win has put United four points clear of LiverpoolCredit: EPA
      And to be fair he could hardly miss when Anthony’s square ball left him with an open net from 12 yards just after half an hour here.
      Yet after waiting so long to celebrate a goal of his own, it was as welcome as a 30-yard scorcher for the Frenchman, who knows he is playing for his Old Trafford future.
      Erik ten Hag may believe it is easier now to attract top names to United than when he first arrived a year ago, but try doing it without the offer of dining at Europe’s top table.
      And if they hadn’t seen off a tenacious Wolves, the door to fourth place would have much have swung open for bitter rivals Liverpool, now hot on their heels.
      It is still far from slammed on their back-to-form Scousers, but at least United have a little breathing space again and can decide their own destiny.
      But there remains so much for Ten Hag to put right at this slumbering giant that, for all the improvements he has made, is only just rising to its knees.
      A goalscorer has long been a priority in the summer, regardless of whether Martial is still here or not, and at least one new face in midfield is only slightly less crucial.
      At least there are still some things you can rely on at Old Trafford…and few of them quite so dependable as Bruno Fernandes. It is just as well.
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      Fittingly – and not surprisingly – he had a key role in Martial’s big moment against Wolves, stretching out a foot to retain possession when Jadon Sancho’s ball sold him short.
      From there he fed Anthony and when the Brazilian picked out Martial, it was basically harder to miss than score. Fortunately for United, he proved the point
      Although you could have said the same about an unmarked, point blank header from Anthony minutes earlier and he managed to fire that over the top.
      And talking of over the top, Julen Lopetegui’s in-your-face appeal to fourth official Andre Marriner was exactly that on 70 minutes when he claimed David De Gea had felled Hee Chan Hwang.
      The result left Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves side in 13th placeCredit: AFP
      When Daniel Podence clipped one over the top, De Gea raced from his goal but was never going to reach the ball.
      Crucially he never touched Hwang either, for all the South Korean went to ground…leaving Lopetegui leaping around appealing for a foul and a red card.
      It wasn’t the last time the Wolves boss was left spitting mad, either, as United finally put an end to any doubts four minutes into stoppage time.
      Fernandes was the creator with a cutting ball through the middle – and Alejandro Garnacho marked his return to action after eight weeks out thanks to a damaged ankle, with the coolest of finishes.
      Garnacho sealed the points on his return to the teamCredit: Getty More