Kobbie Mainoo was the hero as Manchester United defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 in what could be the game of the season on Thursday night (February 1).

When Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scored in the first half, it appeared that the Red Devils were on their way to an away victory at Molineaux. In the fifth minute, the former put his off-field problems behind him with an incredible finish.

Hojlund rightfully extended Manchester United’s advantage in the 22nd minute after receiving a beautiful feed from Luke Shaw. Under pressure from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, the Danish player bundled the ball into the back of the net.

The Red Devils should have been out of sight after missing multiple opportunities. Hojlund scored in the 45th minute, but his jubilation was stopped short when the offside flag was hoisted.

Three minutes later, Casemiro thought he had scored United’s third goal, heading home a silky Bruno Fernandes cross. But, once again, the offside flag was raised, and Erik ten Hag’s men had to settle for a 2-0 halftime lead.

The hosts strengthened in the second half, forcing Lisandro Martinez to make a fantastic clearing off the line in the 49th minute. Six minutes later, the ball ricocheted off Diogo Dalot to safety but did not find its way into Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s net.

Wolves were given a chance in the 68th minute as referee Robert Jones pointed to the spot. Casemiro was found to have tripped Pedro Neto, which was a highly questionable decision.

Nonetheless, Pablo Sarabia stepped up and calmly tucked his penalty kick away. Molineaux burst into life in search of an equalizer, but the visitors were soon celebrating.

Scott McTominay thought he’d put the game away in the 75th minute after coming off the bench only two minutes before. Fernandes’ cross found the Scottish midfielder, who scored with an unorthodox header.

Wolves remained in the game as it entered its final phases, ensuring that United would face a rollercoaster of a conclusion. Max Kilman pounced on Craig Dawson’s excellent knock-on and beat Onana in the 85th minute.

Gary O’Neil’s side thought to have accomplished an incredible comeback when Neto scored in the 90+5th minute. The Portuguese attacker reached the bottom corner of Onana’s goal, leaving the Cameroonian frozen to the spot.

Ten Hag held his head in dismay, as it appeared like his side’s problems would continue. That was until Mainoo produced a moment of pure brilliance to secure all three points in the 90+7th minute.

Omari Forson, a second-half substitute, found the 18-year-old wonderkid with a lovely pass on the left. The English midfielder then deceived three Wolves defenders, performing a nutmeg in the process, before curving a superb shot past Sa.

Manchester United’s success was well-deserved, and Mainoo will treasure it. He’s had a breakout season at Old Trafford, and he scored his first league goal in spectacular style.

One fan praised the Red Devils’ man of the match:

“18-years-old. Kobbie Mainoo. “A star was born.”
Another fan was equally praiseful:

“I’m sorry, but Mainoo is the best midfielder in the world I can’t believe what I just witnessed.”

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