MARCUS Rashford came off the bench to score the only goal as Manchester United defeated Wolves at Molinuex today to climb into the fourth spot in the Premier League table.
The in-form England forward had been dropped from the start due to what manager Erik ten Hag said was ‘internal disciplinary’ reasons, but he made the difference with his late goal.
After a flat first half in which Rashford’s replacement Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Antony wasted good scoring opportunities, Ten Hag turned to the England forward at the start of the second period.
Rashford struck 14 minutes from time to give United the win against opponents who have always given them a tough time.
He picked the ball up outside the Wolves box, exchanged passes with Bruno Fernandes, then held off three defenders before netting his 11th goal of the season in all competitions.
It is the first time Rashford had scored in three successive games for United since December 2019.
The result ended Julen Lopetegui’s two-match winning start as Wolves manager as they remain in the relegation zone.
However, they came very close to securing a draw in stoppage time when Raul Jimenez’s goal-bound header was turned away at point-blank range by David de Gea.
It is the fifth straight win in all competitions for United, the first time since April 2021 that they have put together such a run.
It is also the first time United are in the Premier League’s top four since March.
In Spain, Barcelona were unable to win their first La Liga game after the Qatar 2022 World Cup break, drawing 1-1 with neighbours Espanyol.
Marcos Alonso gave Barcelona the lead in the seventh minute at a packed Camp Nou but the visitors hit back through Joselu from the penalty spot 17 minutes from time.
Barcelona and Espanyol each had a player sent off, Jordi Alba dismissed for a second yellow in the 78th minute, with Souza Costa joining him three minutes later.
Despite the draw, Barcelona are still on top of the La Liga standings, ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid on goal difference.
