Wolves star Matheus Nunes sends three-word message after Manchester United defeat at Old Trafford

On a difficult opening night of the season at home to Wolves, fortune favored Manchester United.

Wolves struck the post, had a strong penalty appeal denied, and caused all sorts of issues for United on the counter-attack all night.

“Wolves’ tally of 23 shots tonight was the second most in a Premier League away game at Old Trafford in recorded history (since 2003-04),” according to Opta data.

“Only Chelsea (25) attempted more in a Premier League away game against Manchester United in November 2005.” Chelsea also went down 1-0 that day.”

Wolves felt hard done by

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil hit out after his side were denied a penalty, claiming Andre Onana ‘smashed’ his player.

The feeling of injustice was shared by the Wolves players, Matheus Nunes included.

The Portuguese midfielder sent a message out on Instagram, writing: “We deserved more.”

Opening games don’t tell the full story

Sir Alex Ferguson would tell you the very same, the mark of a great team is to win games when you don’t play well, to grind out results.

Now, nobody is suggesting United are a ‘great team’, but Erik ten Hag‘s men want to get there. And to hang on and pull off a result like this was really important.

We have seen United start fast before, beating Chelsea 4-0 on the opening day in 2019 and Leeds 5-1 in 2021. And it took the team nowhere.

Likewise, we have seen the side start poorly, losing 3-1 to Palace in 2020 at Old Trafford and in 2022 at home to Brighton. And in each case, United went onto have strong seasons.

It’s just about getting points on the board early. The form will pick up, or not, over the course of the season. For now, we simply feel relieved United managed to come away from this one with the three points.