Juan Mata’s goal against Wolves in the third round FA Cup replay on Wednesday night, was what all Manchester United needed to seal a 4th round spot in this season’s FA Cup campaign.
Juan Mata’s goal came in the second half of the game, after he chipped over keeper John Ruddy to settle the third-round replay after being put through on goal by Anthony Martial.
Before Juan Mata’s goal, Wolves in the first half, saw a Pedro Neto strike ruled out by the video assistant referee for a handball in the build-up, after some errors from the United midfielders.
The first half of the game saw United struggled, but they were able to get a goal in the second half, to take a result at the end of 90 minutes. The result was what really mattered for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side after struggling in the two last League games they have played this season.
The first game saw Manchester United recording a goalless at the Molineux on 4 January with nothing on target but were much more threatening on Wednesday night.
An excellent save by Ruddy prevented Mata from opening the scoring in the first half, while Daniel James was also denied by the Wolves keeper.
After a high-tempo start, the game settled down – but Mata, 31, produced the one moment of quality to seal victory, rolling back the years with a clever finish.
Wolves fought hard for a goal, unfortunately it did not come, United advanced on the night to the 4th round.
Speaking after the game, Wolves captain Conor Coady said: “It’s constant, all we are talking about is VAR. It’s ridiculous, it’s stupid.
“You can’t celebrate. Raul Jimenez didn’t even know he had handballed it. We have to get used to it.
“All of it is terrible for me. It’s not for me, it’s not for a lot of players. But people higher up in the game are happy with it.”
assured and mature performance by the young full-back
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “I think you can see it was two teams towards the end that were tired. It was end to end and an open game – sometimes that doesn’t suit us.
“We’re delighted to beat Wolves finally. Juan Mata is different class. He’s got the skill, composure and even pace.”
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo: “It was a good game of football, an even game. Both teams had chances.
“We didn’t defend the goal well but we reacted well and were in the game. A proper game, I am disappointed to go out because it is frustrating when you perform well and go out.”
On the disallowed goal: “That’s VAR, you cannot do anything about it. We are celebrating non-goals – it doesn’t make sense.”