Manchester United had to work hard to beat Wolves 1-0 at Old Trafford and just about came away with all three points.
While all the talk post-match focused on Andre Onana almost giving away a penalty, there was not enough focus given to the way Manchester United actually won the game.
With United lacking control, Erik ten Hag made two substitutions which turned the match back in the team’s favour, bring on Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen.
Both players helped United gain a little more control, and with Raphael Varane going on to score the winner after a well-worked team move.
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Jadon Sancho praised
Jadon Sancho replaced Alejandro Garnacho and the former Dortmund winger was bright, measured in his approach, and eager to get involved in the final third.
Sancho was praised on MUTV, with pundit Danny Simpson commenting: “Sancho looked really sharp today. Full of energy.”
With Garnacho failing to seize his chance as a starter, there is a real chance Sancho comes back into the starting line-up away at Tottenham this coming weekend, at a ground where he scored last season.
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Sancho was also impressive in pre-season and deserves an opportunity to show he can deliver. He created one chance during his brief spell on the pitch against Wolves, and also worked hard off the ball, making four recoveries.
Erik ten Hag happy with substitutions
Speaking after the game, Erik ten Hag said he was pleased with how his substitutes, including Sancho, managed to impact the game.
He told the club website: “I think there was definite energy with the subs, which was good. I saw data from last season and we were the team with the most subs scoring goals, which is very good.
“You need that spirit because it’s not about 11 players. It’s about a squad.”