Manchester United’s players will be reflecting on their own mistakes after failing to beat Wolves.
The 1-1 draw was marred by a missed penalty from Paul Pogba. Jesse Lingard also missed a clear cut chance when United were leading.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not blameless himself. He perhaps could have done more to address the game as it threatened to slip from United’s grip.
Why wait so long to make any changes?
1-0 down at half-time, Wolves manager Nuno Santo changed his team around and brought on Adama Traore.
This got Wolves back into the game and it looked like a repeat of last season may be on the cards.
United rallied, but it was surprising that it took so long to make any changes, with Juan Mata brought on in the 79th minute.
This predictably caused next to no positive impact. Potential matchwinner Angel Gomes was not even on the bench.
Solskjaer needs to be bolder with his substitutions and this was a case in point. Get hold of the game before it gets away.
The penalty situation
After winning the penalty, Paul Pogba understandably wanted to take it.
Some will be fine with this, but this is now the fourth penalty he has missed for United, and its cost us points this time.
After Marcus Rashford scored a penalty last week, it was assumed he is now the club’s penalty taker.
United need a clear cut spot kick taker, uncertainty breeds unnecessary distraction and pressure.
We won’t be unhappy if Pogba relieves duties to Rashford.
Not enough time for Mason Greenwood
Again we are back to substitutions. It was bemusing to see Mason Greenwood brought on as late as the 89th minute.
Brought on in a double change with Andreas Pereira, Greenwood had no chance to impact the game at this late stage.
He managed just six touches, and Pereira four.
It was good to see Ole bring on a gamechanger, just give him more time.
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