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      Man Utd vs West Ham: Erik ten Hag’s side eye back-to-back Premier League wins as they host Irons at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host West Ham this weekend looking to leapfrog them in the Premier League table.The Red Devils nearly blew it once again at Wolves in midweek, but found a way to win 4-3 via Kobbie Mainoo’s special late strike.
      Kobbie Mainoo grabbed a dramatic late winner against WolvesCredit: Getty
      James Ward-Prowse’s penalty earned West Ham a 1-1 draw against BournemouthCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag’s side are desperate to build momentum, having struggled to string wins together consistently this term.
      United have already lost nine times in the Premier League, with one of their lowest moments coming against the Hammers in East London just before Christmas.
      David Moyes’ side triumphed 2-0 on that day, courtesy of goals by Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
      The Hammers go into the weekend a single place and point above United in sixth.
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      And unlike the Red Devils, they will still have European commitments during the second half of the campaign.
      In their quest to book a fourth consecutive season in Europe next time out, they will be eager to avoid defeat at Old Trafford.
      While United were slugging it out at Molineux, the Hammers were playing out a frustrating 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at London Stadium.
      Moyes will be hoping for much better from his men at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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      What is their form like?
      For all their faults, Man Utd remain unbeaten in 2024.
      Erik ten Hag’s side began the year with a 2-0 win at Wigan in the FA Cup, before a thrilling 2-2 home draw with Tottenham.
      A topsy-turvy 4-2 win at Newport County followed, before last night’s equally dramatic 4-3 triumph at Wolves.
      West Ham, meanwhile, have endured a frustrating start to the calendar year.
      Moyes’ men drew 0-0 with Brighton on January 2, before an underwhelming display saw them taken to a replay by Championship Bristol City following a 1-1 draw.
      Struggling for creativity without Kudus during the Africa Cup of Nations, the Hammers were then dumped out of the FA Cup by losing 1-0 at Ashton Gate.
      A controversial 2-2 draw with strugglers Sheffield United followed, before their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last night.
      Man Utd celebrate edging past WolvesCredit: Reuters
      West Ham fought to a 1-1 draw against the CherriesCredit: Rex
      What is the team news?
      Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are nearing returns, but will not be able to feature on Sunday.
      Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both missed the clash with Wolves but could return on Sunday if they pass late fitness tests.
      Sofyan Amrabat’s Morocco were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if he will be available for Sunday.
      Anthony Martial was recently ruled out for ten weeks following groin surgery.
      West Ham, meanwhile, were boosted by Kudus’ return from Afcon against Bournemouth.
      They will desperately require his creativity against Man Utd, with Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio ruled out with injuries.
      Nayef Aguerd was also part of the Morocco team that were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations, but his status for Sunday is unknown.

      Who will be the star men?
      Having been dropped for the clash with Newport after missing training following a night out in Belfast, Marcus Rashford made a triumphant return to action at Wolves.
      The forward, 26, took just five minutes to break the deadlock, brilliantly bending the ball beyond Jose Sa.
      Having endured a difficult first half of the campaign, Rashford has now scored in his last three Premier League appearances.
      With Ten Hag having shown faith in him at Wolves, Rashford will be looking to repay him again against West Ham.
      The Hammers, meanwhile, have been goal-shy of late, with Moyes set to rely on Jarrod Bowen to get his team firing again.
      Bowen, 27, has 11 Premier League goals this season – but has not scored in his last four games.
      The England international will be eager to end his mini-drought this weekend.

      What have the managers said?
      Erik ten Hag praised his side’s resilience after their victory at Wolves.
      The Dutchman, 54, said: “There’s a great spirit in the squad, in this dressing room.
      “We are on the pitch all together and that’s very good to see. You see the determination, you see the resilience of this squad.
      “They are so eager to get the right results and they want to play good football.”
      On this weekend’s opponents, David Moyes said: “Erik ten Hag is in a privileged position to be manager of Manchester United.
      “I think he understands and respects that. I think he is trying to enforce how he wants the team to play and work, and you have to give him credit for that.
      “When you’re in that job, you are under a lot of pressure. You are expected to win and you are expected to perform well. He understands that.
      “I think he’s trying to get himself through this period and then start building again, and they certainly picked up a good result against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday.”
      Erik ten Hag’s side have won four on the bounceCredit: Getty
      David Moyes is determined to return to winning waysCredit: Reuters
      SunSport prediction
      With Man Utd having won their last four games, and West Ham having struggled of late, we reckon that the Red Devils will have just enough to take all three points.
      SunSport predicts: Man Utd 2 West Ham 1
      When is Man Utd vs West Ham?

      Man Utd vs West Ham will take place on Sunday, February 4th.
      Kick off will be at 2pm GMT.
      Old Trafford will host.

      What TV channel is Man Utd vs West Ham on and can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs West Ham will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW/ Sky Sports app.
      Alternatively, you can stay up to date with all the action from Old Trafford by following SunSport’s live blog.

      What are the odds?
      Match result
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      Man Utd – 4/6
      Draw – 3/1
      West Ham – 7/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      I lived in Cristiano Ronaldo’s house when I played for Man Utd, when he trained at 6.30am I slept on stretchers

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      ANDERSON has recalled his days living with Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United.The Brazilian, now 35, joined the Red Devils from Porto in 2007.
      Anderson enjoyed great success alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Ronaldo took his fellow native Portuguese speaker under his wingCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      With the midfielder just 19 at the time, his fellow Portuguese speaker Ronaldo, four years his senior, took him under his wing.
      Anderson had just won the prestigious European Golden Boy award but was left in awe by Ronaldo’s work-rate.
      Recalling their time together, he told Brazilian programme Globoesporte: “Nani and I lived at Cristiano Ronaldo’s house for almost a year.
      “Training was at 9:30, but sometimes we had to go at 6:30, because Ronaldo was at the club and we went with him.
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      “Nani and I, we slept there on the stretchers and waited, because his work had to start.”
      On just how willing to help Ronaldo was, Anderson revealed: “As soon as I arrived in Manchester I went to Cristiano’s house. I appreciated it very much. He adopted me.
      “Nani and I lived in CR7’s house for almost a year. We left because we wanted to leave. For him we would have stayed there. We didn’t spend anything.”
      He then added: “Cristiano took us to training, fed us and had a cook for us. There was a swimming pool inside and outside the house, a jacuzzi, a tennis court…”
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      Anderson went on to make 181 appearances over eight years at Old Trafford; winning four Premier League titles, a League Cup, Club World Cup and Champions League.
      Despite his many successes, he doesn’t feel that he lived up to his full potential.
      He continued: “If I had five per cent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s mentality, I would have been among the 20 best midfielders of that moment.
      “Something very Brazilian… to think that we have already won everything and that everything is resolved. Not wanting something a little more…”
      Anderson retired from football in 2019 aged 31.
      After leaving Man Utd he spent three years at Internacional in 2015, before finishing his career with Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
      Ronaldo and Anderson won the Champions League together in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Man City’s new £12.5m signing suffers terrifying injury scare during match after complaining of ‘chest pain’

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      MANCHESTER CITY January signing Claudio Echeverri suffered a huge heart scare while playing for River Plate.The wonderkid signed for City in a £12.5m deal last month before returning to the Argentine outfit on loan for the rest of the calendar year.
      Claudio Echeverri suffered a health scare while playing for Argentina Under-23s
      He is set to undergo tests with club doctorsCredit: AP
      Echeverri, 18, also represents Argentina at youth level and suffered a scare while playing for the Under-23s side in an Olympic qualifying match.
      The midfielder initially felt a pain in his chest in the first half and went down before receiving treatment.
      Echeverri received the green light to continue but only lasted until the 64th minute before being substituted.
      The youngster is set to meet with club doctors to diagnose the issue, which affected his breathing.
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      Echeverri said after the match: “I had a very strong pain in my chest, I couldn’t breathe well and I was very scared.
      “I jumped down to [catch] the air and then, thank God, it went away a little.
      “Afterwards I continued well. I’m going to talk to the doctors anyway, to see what it is. Something like this had never happened to me, I felt very scared. I’m fine, thank God.”
      A former captain of Argentina’s under-17 side, Echeverri is currently on international duty with the under-23s in South American Olympic qualifying.
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      He has made six appearances for River Plate, registering one assist for his boyhood club.
      Chelsea and Barcelona were previously linked with a move for the teen, who has been dubbed “the next Lionel Messi”. More

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      Inside the rise of Conor Bradley, the ‘gift from God’ who turned down Man Utd and Chelsea to become Liverpool star

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      CONOR BRADLEY called his first Liverpool goal “a dream” but few back in Aghyaran will be surprised he is now living his fantasy.For them it was only a matter of when, not if, the kid from a hamlet in Northern Ireland would make it big.
      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Conor Bradley after the win over ChelseaCredit: PA
      The Northern Irish ace is known as ‘a gift from God’ back in West TyroneCredit: PA
      Yet it was in this tiny place in West Tyrone, population 1,384, that Bradley became known as “a gift of God”.
      Everybody who knew him knew that and Jurgen Klopp now knows it too.
      From playing for Dungannon Swifts as a winger, to the organised violence of Gaelic football with St Davogs or becoming Northern Ireland’s primary school cross-country running champion all who knew him believed he would fulfil whatever dream he chose.
      Swifts head of development Dixie Robinson, who signed him aged 14, revealed: “He had tactical know-how beyond his years.
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      “He had a lot of talent to go with that and every time you stepped him up, he answered the call.
      “Conor was a gift of God and a ­fantastic young man.”
      At the right-back’s primary school St Patrick’s, five miles down the road in Castlederg where he was born, they speak of him with fondness, declaring: “He’s a great friend. What marked him out was his temperament and ability to include everyone at play.”
      Tommy Moss of St Davogs GAA said: “Everyone is so very proud of him because he’s really down to earth, a lovely fella, none of this will go to his head. 
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      “That  attitude is everything to do with why he’s made it.”
      His coach at first club St Patricks marvelled after Bradley, 20,  set up two goals in the 5-2 FA Cup win over Norwich last Sunday.
      And then he added another couple of assists plus that unforgettable goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 battering of Chelsea. Rory Lynch said: “His football brain always set him out — he was doing things no one else could do.”
      Manchester United and Chelsea had him over for trials but he had always supported Liverpool.
      By 2019 he was an Anfield academy player and in 2021  Ian Baraclough gave him his debut as a sub against Malta.
      Baraclough, now No 2 at Cheltenham, said: “What Conor shows every time he plays is energy and enthusiasm.
      “When a young lad like that comes into a team it gives everyone a lift.
      “He is  quiet but  there’s a glint in his eye. I suspect there’s a naughty side there — but it will be funny, not nasty.” More

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      Fears for Lisandro Martinez as Man Utd ace spotted having foot bandaged just two games after making injury return

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ was spotted with his foot bandaged after coming off against Wolves.The Manchester United defender appeared to injure his left foot during the 4-3 win at Molineux.
      There are fresh injury fears for Manchester United defender Lisandro MartinezCredit: Getty
      Martinez was spotted having his foot bandaged during the win at WolvesCredit: TNT Sports
      After being withdrawn by Erik ten Hag, he was spotted receiving treatment in the away dugout.
      Eagle-eyed fans saw a member of the United medical team bandaging up Martinez’s left foot.
      The potential injury is a concern following his recent return to action.
      Martinez had been sidelined since September with a foot injury before returning two matches ago against Tottenham.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      His injury woes have limited the World Cup winner to just nine appearances so far this season.
      The Red Devils are already without fellow defenders Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof, who are stepping up their comebacks on the training ground.
      Meanwhile, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also remain sidelined.
      Reacting to Martinez’s potential setback on social media, one fan wrote: “This doesn’t look good.”
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      Another supporter simply commented a crying emoji in response.
      Martinez’s return had been highlighted as a potential turning point for United’s season under Erik ten Hag.
      Supporters praised his dominant display in the recent draw with Tottenham, his first appearance since coming back from injury.
      Since signing from Ajax last summer, the 26-year-old has made 53 appearances for United, scoring once. More

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      Wolves 3 Man Utd 4 LIVE REACTION: Kobbie Mainoo scores brilliant late winner in seven-goal THRILLER after Rashford goal

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      KOBBIE MAINOO scored a superb late winner as Manchester United edged a seven-goal THRILLER at Molineux that had seen them blow a 3-1 lead with five minutes to go.Teenage sensation Mainoo, 18, scored a 97th-minute winner after Wolves thought they had snatched a draw from Erik ten Hag’s side.
      The build up to the game had been overshadowed by Rashford missing training after partying in Belfast – but the England forward stroked in a brilliant strike from the edge of the box after just five minutes.
      Rasmus Hojlund then doubled the lead for the visitors at Molinuex before Pablo Sarabia pulled a goal back from the spot after a Casemiro foul.
      The fight-back appeared short-lived, with Scott McTominay soon scoring a third, before United then blew a two-goal lead and Wolves drew level at 3-3 – Max Kilman and then Pedro Neto seemingly earning a point for the home side.
      But Molineux drama was not done as Mainoo scored a brilliant curling effort deep into injury time.
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      Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti, Doherty, Lemina, Doyle, Neto, Cunha, Bellegarde.

      Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mainoo, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund.

      Match report:
      MANCHESTER UNITED had wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo to thank after sealing a last-gasp winner.
      The midfielder’s 97th minute winner capped off a seven-goal thriller.
      Wolves had battled back from 3-1 to level late as Pedro Neto thought his 95th minute equaliser would see the points shared.
      But Mainoo left the Molineux as the hero with a winner at the death.
      You can read the full match report, here…
      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats:
      This is how the match stats look at full-time.
      It was a dominant display by United in the first half, and they could’ve had four goals in that 45 minutes alone.
      Wolves bit back in the second half, and created more chances than United, but a few moments of brilliance allows the Red Devils to take home all three points in the end.
      The match stats as Man Utd nicked a last minute winner against Wolves
      Copy linkCopiedWhip-Rash
      It was the return to the team Marcus Rashford would have been after, when he opened the scoring for Man Utd just a few minutes into this match.
      It was a plush right-footed finish into the top right corner, which Jose Sa couldn’t get anywhere near.
      Whether he has learnt his lesson from his Belfast bender remains to be seen, but with performances like that, no one will have a problem with actions like that.
      “Case closed” Said Erik ten Hag before the game, and it was case closed indeed just three minutes in.
      Marcus Rashford scored the opening goal in just three minutes for UnitedCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedKobbie Mainoo reacts:
      The Manchester United academy starlet scored an absolute worldie to win the game for his side tonight in the dying moments.
      He nutmegged one player, before cutting onto his right foot and then curled an effort into the bottom right corner of the net.
      This is what he had to say to TNT Sports after the game:
      I’ve still not come down from it, I feel like I’m dreaming!”Kobbie MainooOn his first Premier League goal
      Copy linkCopiedFULL-TIME! Wolves 3-4 Manchester United
      90+10. What a game.
      The referee calls it to a close, after 10 added minutes.
      Incredible.
      Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner for Manchester United against WolvesCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! Wolves 3-4 Manchester United
      AND NICK A WINNER THEY DO!MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE NABBED IT! IT’S KOBBIE MAINOO!Excellent skill from the youngster to nutmeg a Wolves midfielder, before he cuts inside and bends an effort beautifully into the far right corner!
      I can’t believe what I’m watching!

      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLLL! Wolves 3-3 Manchester United
      IT’S LEVEL! WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?Manchester United left themselves vulnerable at the back with so many men forward attacking the corner.
      Wolves drove forward and found Pedro Neto who lashed a shot into the near post corner!
      It’s all level!
      And there is still time for someone to nick a winner!
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
      90+3. A late corner for Manchester United, and it has presented Man Utd with a HUGE chance to go a goal clear!
      Bruno plays the corner short, and Shaw’s cross takes a deflection off off of Evans and falls to the feet of Scott McTominay who’s shot is saved by Jose Sa.
      They’ve got a lot of players forward here though, and they could be vulnerable on the break…
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
      90. There will be NINE, yes, NINE minutes of added time here at Molineux.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
      88. Just when you think it’s over, Wolves don’t give up.
      They are really putting the pressure on here.
      Omari Forson is on to replace Rasmus Hojlund, and Harry Maguire on to replace Lisandro Martinez.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! Wolves 2-3 Manchester United
      86. WOLVES ARE STILL FIGHTING, AND THEY BITE BACK AGAIN!
      A corner is whipped into the box, and scissor kicked by Craig Dawson towards goal.
      It doesn’t go in, but falls to Max Kilman who hits home!
      They couldn’t… Could they?

      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
      84. Joao Gomes and Nathan Fraser are coming on for the home side here.
      They are replacing Toti and Tommy Doyle.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
      82. Excellent composure from Kobbie Mainoo in a dangerous position there to turn away from two oncoming Wolves attackers and then pick out Bruno Fernandes.
      Two warming up for Wolves here…
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
      80. Erik ten Hag will be very pleased with the character shown by his team to concede a goal and almost immediately respond with a goal of their own.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
      78. That’s an excellent finish from McTominay.
      The ball was swung in by Bruno Fernandes from the corner, and although it was poor defending by Wolves to leave McTominay with a free header, it was a great finish that bounced into the top corner.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLL! Wolves 1-3 Manchester United
      IT’S THREE! THAT IS HOW YOU RESPOND!IT’S SCOTT MCTOMINAY WITH HIS FIRST TOUCH!
      He’s Manchester United’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, and that is why!

      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-2 Manchester United
      75. Anthony is on in place of Marcus Rashford, and Scott McTominay is coming on for Casemiro.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-2 Manchester United
      74. Manchester United should have been home and dry in this game, with two disallowed goals and two huge chances missed by Casemiro and Hojlund.
      Wolves will smell blood now, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they are gonna go for this now…
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLL! Wolves 1-2 Manchester United
      70. The penalty is given, but Casemiro survives without a card.
      Sarabia steps up…
      AND HE SCORES! HIS FIRST TOUCH OF THE GAME!
      Manchester United’s lead is HALVED!
      Copy linkCopiedPENALTY! Wolves 0-2 Manchester United
      68. A huge chance for Wolves to get back in the game here, as Casemiro brings down Pedro Neto inside the box.
      VAR will check this though…
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
      66. Erik ten Hag has spoken a lot about injuries, and this game might just be proving his point.
      Dalot lines up a half-volley just outside the box, but his effort is poor and drops wide of the post.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
      64. A moment of chaos for the Wolves defence, as Jose Sa comes out of his box and appears to handball it when he slips.
      Lemina clears up his goalkeepers mess and no free-kick is given.
      Wolves survive.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
      61. Wolves look like they are growing into the game a bit now, and a few more chances are coming their way following that first chance.
      They are pinning United into their own half for the first time in the game now.
      Could the Red Devils live to rue their missed chances?
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
      59. HOW ON EARTH HAS HE SAVED THAT?
      That looked almost destined to be a way back into the game for Wolves, but Andre Onana has somehow saved his side.
      The ball was in his close quarters, when Dawson’s attempt at goal was heading in, that was before the Cameroonian keeper saved the ball with HIS FACE…
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
      57. ANOTHER chance for Man Utd WASTED.
      Garnacho nicks the ball from the Wolves defence once again and drives into the box.
      He sets up Hojlund perfectly, but his first touch lets him down and his shot is saved.
      United should be out of sight here.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Wolves 3 Man Utd 4: Mainoo the hero after incredible injury-time winner as Rashford scores on return after tequila party

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      THERE was no ‘dentist’s chair’ celebration from striker Marcus Rashford.And Erik ten Hag, that most sober of Dutchmen, resisted the temptation to ape Paul Merson’s old beer- swigging routine.
      Kobbie Mainoo was the hero at Wolves for Man Utd with the winnerCredit: Getty
      𝐊𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐈𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐎, 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐖 👏THE YOUNGSTER STRIKES LATE TO MAKE IT 4-3 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/wFeWXQWZu9— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2024

      But there was plenty of champagne football from Manchester United — a first-choice United for the first time this season — as Ten Hag’s decision to start his thirsty England forward turned out to be a masterstroke.
      Last Thursday night, Rashford was on the tequila slammers in Belfast, before sending Ten Hag a dodgy sick-note.
      This Thursday, it was a different kind of shot for United’s bad-boy, but with equally intoxicating results.
      An amazing night saw Rashford open the scoring after just five minutes and then teen star Kobbie Mainoo clinched a dramatic winner after a seven-goal thriller.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The smart-Alec Molineux DJ had been playing tequila-related tunes in the warm-up.
      But his attempts at winding up the visitors did not look too clever when Rashford hammered home early on, propelling Ten Hag’s team to their most impressive win of the season against in-form Wolves.
      It was a bold selection from Ten Hag, who fancies himself as a disciplinarian, to restore Rashford to the starting line-up after he missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport.
      But it was a logical one, given that Rashford had doubled his season’s goals tally with strikes in his previous two league appearances. It was a huge night for both boss and player, as patience had been wearing thin with both among the United faithful.
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      Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after just five minutesCredit: Getty
      It was the perfect return for Rashford after his Belfast bender – but there was no cheeky booze-themed celebrationCredit: Getty
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      It was not just because of Rashford’s booze bender and failure to turn up to work, but also a run of form which had not been a patch on last season’s heroics.
      But here he showed considerable strength against self-inflicted adversity and controversy as he fired United towards a mood-altering win before Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay and Mainoo completed the job.
      In fairness to Ten Hag, whenever he has been asked about his own future, he has continually answered by saying ‘wait until everyone is fit’.
      And with the possible exception of Mason Mount, here was the Dutchman’s preferred line-up and here was a very different United, as a Wolves side unbeaten in seven matches were skewered.
      United are still only seventh, and eight points off the Champions League places, but a continuation of this form might just convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co to stick with their manager.
      Rashford had been benched here last season, after missing an alarm call and a team meeting, but Ten Hag hauled his England forward off the naughty step at half-time and saw him score the winner.
      This time, the crime was more serious but there was no extended punishment, as Rashford returned to the starting line-up along with keeper Andre Onana, after his fleeting visit to the Afcon with Cameroon.
      United’s opener was a gem of a team goal, a square ball from Diogo Dalot, dummied by Bruno Fernandes before Hojlund held off his marker and laid off for Rashford to lash it into the bottom corner.
      The England man had barely touched the ball before that but it was an emphatic and assured finish, especially given the background noise.
      It’s a 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 for Man United 🤩Rasmus Hojlund has his 3⃣rd Premier League goal of the season! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gB1vAgyDrl— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2024

      Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet when he bundled home Luke Shaw’s crossCredit: Getty
      It was Hojlund’s first Perm goal to be made by a United playerCredit: Reuters
      Pablo Sarabia pulled one back from the spotCredit: Getty
      Sarabia celebrates getting Wolves back into the gameCredit: Getty
      His celebration was a standard knee-slide, followed by handshakes — not a patch on Paul Gascoigne’s most famous celebration after a Hong Kong hoo-ha prior to Euro 96.
      But this is a different era.
      Back in George Best’s heyday, drinking heavily with Irish waitresses was the norm for a United winger.
      This is a more po-faced age, if you are an elite footballer.
      Wolves then pinned United back for a period without seriously troubling Onana but midway through the second half it was 2-0.
      This time Rashford weighted a pass down the left for the overlapping Luke Shaw, whose driven centre deflected off Max Kilman before Hojlund dived in front of Craig Dawson to poke over the line.
      Casemiro headed narrowly wide from a Fernandes free-kick, Hojlund charged down an attempted Jose Sa clearance and almost diverted it into the goal and then Fernandes steered a shot narrowly wide.
      United were enjoying a purple patch, the like of which they have managed frequently this season without sustaining it for 90 minutes.
      𝟏 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐄, 𝟐𝟑 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐒 is all it takes for Scott McTominay! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/AWEGYuOTQo— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2024

      Scott McTominay gave United some breathing spaceCredit: AFP
      McTominay celebrated his goal which should have put the game to bedCredit: Reuters
      Max Kilman revived Wolves’ hopes, making it 3-2Credit: Getty
      Wolves began to believe again after Kilman’s strikeCredit: AP
      The visitors found the net twice more before half-time — but both were ruled out for offside.
      First, Hojlund beat Sa from a Rashford pass, then Casemiro headed in from a Fernandes free-kick.
      It was as dominant a 45 minutes United had enjoyed all season.
      In the second half, Alejandro Garnacho fed Hojlund, only for Sa to charge down his shot.
      Wolves were briefly back in it when Casemiro’s boot brushed against Pedro Neto, who went down.
      Ref Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, VAR Paul Tierney refused to overrule him and Pablo Sarabia drilled home.
      Rashford then made way for Antony before United restored their two-goal lead, sub McTominay applying a header to a Fernandes corner.
      There was late drama for United when Kilman swivelled to poke home and reduce the deficit.
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      And it looked like United had undone all their good work when Neto fired home a leveller in injury time.
      But Mainoo kept his cool and danced through to curl in the winner for his first-ever Prem goal.
      Pedro Neto made it 3-3 deep into added timeCredit: Reuters
      Wolves thought they had fought back to nick a drawCredit: Getty
      But Mainoo scored a dramatic late winner just minutes afterCredit: Reuters
      The 18-year-old celebrated his winner on a dramatic nightCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Rasmus Hojlund breaks long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo record as Man Utd star nets at Wolves

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      RASMUS HOJLUND has broken a long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo record with his latest Manchester United goal.The Danish striker scored in the Red Devils 4-3 win over Wolves on Thursday night.
      Rasmus Hojlund has broken a long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo recordCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo was 21 when he scored and assisted in back-to-back matches for UnitedCredit: PA
      Hojlund doubled United’s lead after setting up Marcus Rashford’s fifth minute opener at Molineux.
      It is the second Premier League appearance in a row he has both scored and assisted in.
      At the age of 20 years and 362 days, Hojlund is the youngest Manchester United to achieve the feat.
      The previous record had been set by a 21-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Hojlund’s goal was also his FIRST in the league to be assisted by a United team-mate.
      His previous two league strikes had come without an assist before Luke Shaw set him up to score.
      The 20-year-old had appeared to be growing frustrated with his lack of service in recent matches.
      He was spotted screaming at Alejandro Garnacho in the FA Cup win over Newport on Sunday after the winger failed to pick him out.
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      However, Hojlund has now netted in three consecutive Premier League appearances.
      The summer signing had failed to score in the league in his first 14 appearances.
      He has now notched nine goals and added two assists in 27 appearances since arriving from Atalanta. More