MARCUS RASHFORD came off the naughty step to charm his way back into Erik ten Hag’s good books.
The disciplinarian Dutchman had originally banished his top scorer to the bench for breaching “internal discipline”, and breaking “our rules”.
GettyWOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Erik Ten Hag the manager / head coach of Manchester United celebrates at full time with Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 31, 2022 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)[/caption]
But it couldn’t have been a major crime because by half-time Ten Hag decided to show his bad-boy some leniency as he sent him on at half-time for an out-of-touch Alejandro Garnacho.
And on a day when football paid tribute and remembered the great Pele, it seemed fitting that United’s No.10 produced the one moment of magic which was good enough to settle this hard-fought contest.
Don’t be fooled.
This was about as far removed from Pele’s “beautiful game”, as you could imagine – a dour slogfest where chances were at a premium.
But at least Rashford showed his shirt, which bore the Brazilian’s iconic number, didn’t
weigh too heavily on him.
United‘s latest Red Devil might have blotted his copybook pre-match.
But he earned more than a few Brownie points with his winner, to carry on his current scoring spree, with 14 minutes remaining.
Second-half sub Fred fed Rashford wide on the left and the England international surged inside and played a rapid 1-2 with Bruno Fernandes before breaking into the Wolves box.
Once there he showed quick feet to keep control of the ball and enough strength to hold off Jonny Otto before drilling the ball beyond Jose Sa.
It was Rashford’s third goal in three games for United after he also hit the net against Burnley and Nottingham Forest, on his return from a World Cup where he also hit the net three times.
And he would have had a second, eight minutes later, had the ball not broken off Sa and struck his hand before flying into the Wolves net.
VAR confirmed the ball had bounced off Rashford’s paw, to instantly rule it out.
That decision almost came back to haunt United as Wolves almost pulled off a last-gasp smash and grab job.
However David de Gea’s instincts were razor sharp as he kept out a point-blank header from Raul Jiminez to preserve three precious points for his side.
United may have missed out on Cody Gakpo but at least they had the consolation of knowing the man who plays in the Dutchman’s position continues to do the business.
However this game again showed United’s need to buy a proven 20-goal striker in the January window.
Perhaps Ten Hag’s ruthless side is rubbing off on his players as they clocked up three consecutive wins at Molineux for the first time.
United’s hardline boss showed his authority again by continuing to prefer Luke Shaw to a fully-fit Harry Maguire who stayed on the bench.
Home games against Bournemouth, Everton and Charlton in three different competitions are next up and could provide some shooting practice before the acid tests beyond.
Manchester City at home and Arsenal away in mid-January will be the ultimate test of whether Ten Hag’s tough love really has knocked United into shape.