Are Man Utd Title Pretenders?

After a narrow 1-0 win against Wolves at home, Manchester United seem to have coughed up more questions than answers.

Throughout most of the night at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s squad appeared far from triumphant. However, the tide shifted when Aaron Wan-Bissaka elegantly guided the ball into the penalty area, where an unexpected hero emerged in the form of Raphaël Varane, nodding in the decisive goal.

While the 1-0 victory might be debated as deserved, the passionate home crowd seemed at times more determined to will the ball into the net than the players themselves. Regardless, the score counted, and Manchester United inaugurated the new Premier League season with a win.

At the very least, they’ve secured three more points compared to the same stage last year, when Brighton & Hove Albion handed them a defeat during Ten Hag’s inaugural match in charge. Competitive debuts were granted to summer acquisitions André Onana and Mason Mount, and United showcased resilience and an ability to withstand pressure, even if a fair portion of it resulted from their own actions. This was particularly evident in permitting waves of yellow-clad opponents through the midfield.

Despite Wolves having just five days to prepare under new manager Gary O’Neil following Julen Lopetegui’s surprising departure, they posed a notable threat, mustering 23 shots and six on target. Matheus Cunha’s shot hit the post early in the second half, while substitute Fábio Silva’s late effort demanded a save from Onana.

Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper signed from Internazionale over the summer, kept his Premier League debut clean with a solid performance. Nonetheless, he had to endure a stoppage-time VAR review after colliding with Sasa Kalajdzic. Though not a picturesque challenge, it paralleled the less-than-ideal night United was experiencing. For a team aspiring to challenge for the title, their display left much to be desired. The celebrations at the final whistle seemed more a result of relief than genuine elation.

“It was a demanding game,” acknowledged Ten Hag afterward. “The start of a season is always challenging for any team. While we have demonstrated prowess last season and during preseason, preseason isn’t indicative of the actual season. Opponents are more aggressive, as was evident with Wolves. Our skills and decision-making could improve, and we lacked aggressiveness in the battle. Still, I see numerous positive aspects. We fought valiantly and survived.”

Last season, hard-fought victories became a recurring theme at Old Trafford. However, a lack of offensive sharpness also prevailed, and it manifested again here. With £72 million newcomer Rasmus Hojlund nursing a back injury in the stands, the frontline trio of Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho struggled to create noteworthy opportunities. United managed a mere three shots on target.

“I believe the frontline wasn’t at their best today, and we could have capitalized more on overload situations,” Ten Hag conceded. “Last week, we netted some astounding goals in a friendly against RC Lens. This week, form played a role, and we fell short. But improvement is on the horizon.”

If only United’s ruthlessness matched their manager’s decisiveness, as he continued to send a message to Harry Maguire about his dispensability. Stripped of the captaincy in favour of Bruno Fernandes this summer, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, and Tom Heaton all donned the armband ahead of Maguire during pre-season in Fernandes’ absence.

A £30 million offer from West Ham United has been accepted, and the possibility of contributing to Maguire’s contract termination at Old Trafford remains open to facilitate the move. While Maguire started on the bench against Wolves, Ten Hag’s halftime substitution, replacing Lisandro Martínez due to an ankle concern and yellow card, with Victor Lindelöf was a clear indication of Maguire’s future at the club. Ten Hag’s actions have frequently spoken louder than his words, much like his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea.

The latest snub was witnessed from the stands by England assistant Steve Holland. Should Maguire aim to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions lineup, accepting West Ham’s offer might be a necessary step?

Maguire’s departure could potentially pave the way for Ten Hag to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes. After the showing against Wolves, Fiorentina might increase their valuation of Sofyan Amrabat. Although United’s net spending ranks second only to Chelsea’s since Ten Hag’s appointment, there appears to be a puzzle that’s missing a few critical pieces. 

The season is underway, and points are accumulating, yet whether it propels them into title contention remains a matter for discussion.