18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo made Thursday memorable for Manchester United by scoring a goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton. On a deadline day transfer, Manchester United relied on some homegrown talents for a dramatic win.
In Short
Young Blood Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo, born in Stockport, rose through the ranks of Manchester United’s academy before earning a spot in the first team. His last-minute heroics at Molineux showcased his brilliance and determination.
On top of his game.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 2, 2024
Kobbie Mainoo wins a #PL classic in dramatic style 👇#MUFC || @RemingtonUK
“It’s like though a fantasy has come true. It’s a difficult area to come, so we needed to win. I’m still in shock about this. Playing in the Premier League for my childhood club has been amazing. “It’s all about winning more games now, Mainoo said, taking stock of his incredible performance.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag needed inspiration when his team was trailing 2-0 and later 3-1 before Pedro Neto equalized for Wolves in the 95th minute. That spark came from Manu’s performance, and Captain Bruno Fernandes commended him, calling him “a tremendous talent.”
“I saw him play for the Under-18s, and a few years ago, without even knowing Kobbie, I said he would come and play for the first team or not.”
The man you've been waiting to hear from — take it away, Kobbie! 🔊#MUFC || #WOLMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 2, 2024
Marcus Rashford extended United’s lead with a curling shot from outside the box five minutes later. The victory was made even more sweeter by news of Manu’s illness following his visit to Belfast Nightsport last week.
Ten Hag
Ten Hag started the comeback, and his players appeared to take encouragement from his effort.
Rasmus Hojland doubled the guest team’s lead in the 22nd minute, but Wolves made a comeback with Pablo Sarabia’s penalty in the 71st minute. However, Scott McTominay’s header two minutes later restored United’s two-goal advantage.
Max Kilman reduced the deficit for Wolves with a goal in the 85th minute, and Neto leveled the score with a precise shot into the corner after dribbling past goalkeeper Andre Onana. Witnessing the turnaround, Ten Hag held his head in relief. When Manu scored his first Premier League goal, the celebration began.
Coach expressed, “The way we conceded goals shouldn’t happen, but then we showed resilience, especially Kobbie Mainoo. It was an excellent objective.”
In the midst of all the euphoria, West Ham’s loan trip took a different turn as they lost 1-1 to Kelvin Phillips.
Dominic Solanke, with 14 goals this season, perhaps didn’t need assistance to maintain his tally, but within three minutes at London Stadium, Phillips’ back-pass allowed the Bournemouth striker to open the scoring and claim the 15th position in the scoring charts.
Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, likely became the most relieved player on the field when West Ham awarded a penalty for a foul on Mohammed Kudus in the second half.
Match Overview
Wolves
Sa; Kilman (C), Doherty, Totti (Fraser 82); Semedo, Lemina, Doyle (82), Doherty (Ait-Nouri 55); Neto, Bellegarde (Sarabia 64), Cutrone.
Substitutes: Bentele, Santiago Bueno, Hugo Bueno, Hoj, Chirivella.
Booked: Doherty, Cutrone.
Goals: Sarabia (pen) 71, Kilman 85, Neto 90+5.
Manchester United
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez (Maguire 86), Shaw; Casimiro (McTominay 73), Manu; Garnacho (Ivan 90+2), Fernandes (C), Rashford (Antony 73); Hojbjerg (Forssen 86).
Substitutes: Beindir, Cambwala, Amad, Eriksen.
Booked: Casimiro, Martinez, Onana, Garnacho, Shaw.
Goals: Rashford 5, Hojbjerg 22, McTominay 75, Manu 90+7.
A thrilling encounter unfolded as Manchester United faced Wolves. Here’s a breakdown of the key players, options, bookings, and the exciting goals that defined the game:
Wolves’ Lineup
- Formation: Sa; Kilman (C), Doherty, Totti (Fraser 82); Semedo, Lemina, Doyle (82), Doherty (Ait-Nouri 55); Neto, Bellegarde (Sarabia 64), Cutrone.
Substitutes:
- Benetele, Santiago Bueno, Hugo Bueno, Hoj, Chirivella.
Booked:
- Doherty, Cutrone.
Goals:
- Sarabia (pen) 71, Kilman 85, Neto 90+5.
Manchester United’s Lineup
- Formation: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez (Maguire 86), Shaw; Casimiro (McTominay 73), Mainoo; Garnacho (Ivan 90+2), Fernandes (C), Rashford (Antony 73); Højlund(Forssen 86).
Substitutes:
- Beindir, Cambwala, Amad, Eriksen.
Booked:
- Casimiro, Martinez, Onana, Garnacho, Shaw.
Goals:
- Rashford 5, Højlund22, McTominay 75, Mainoo 90+7.
In an action-packed match, Manchester United showcased their skills with goals from Rashford, Højlund, McTominay, and the young sensation Mainoo. The Wolves fought back with goals from Sarabia, Kilman, and Neto, making it an unforgettable clash on the field. The cards were shown, substitutions made, and the net bulged multiple times, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Another memorable chapter in the world of football!
