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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui makes scoreline claim after Manchester United defeat

Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui felt his side could have picked up a draw in what proved to be a loss against Manchester United.

The Molineux outfit travelled to Old Trafford but tasted defeat at the hands of Erik ten Hag's side. Anthony Martial put United ahead in the first half after slotting home from Antony's cross.

Wolves kept the deficit at just one goal for much of the rest of the encounter, with goalkeeper Daniel Bentley denying United on several occasions. However, Alejandro Garnacho's great finish after coming off the bench put the result beyond doubt and ensured three points for the hosts.

READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings vs Wolves as Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes good

The result leaves United sitting fourth in the Premier League table and four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in their quest to confirm Champions League qualification. Wolves meanwhile are 13th in the standings and are poised for a mid-table finish.

Speaking after the loss, Wolves boss Lopetegui felt his side defended well, especially in the first half, and were punished for one mistake they made in the opening 45 minutes. After a better showing from his team going forwards after the break, Lopetegui believed his side had the potential to claim a point from the encounter, before they ended up having their defeat confirmed.

He said: “It was a match of different parts. In the first half I didn’t think they had a clear chance, I thought we defended well although it wasn’t easy against a team that is playing to stay in the Champions League.

“It was a pity the only chance they had, from one mistake from us…I don’t remember other chances in the first half.

“Then of course it is more difficult in these kind of matches when they have this commitment and aim because they are playing like it is a final and you have to do the same.

“In the second half we improved, we had the ball. In my opinion, we had 20 or 25 minutes when we dominated them. Then I saw for the first moment they looked a little bit nervous.

“We had situations to do better in the box. We had situations where we arrived with an overload of players and we have to do better, we have to take better decisions.

“We didn’t do that and of course we take risks and they have space and they damaged us on the counterattack. That is why it was a different part of the match.

“They had three or four very clear shots but in one part of the match I was thinking we were able to draw the game.”

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