Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has finally opened the scoring after 76 minutes in his side's Premier League clash against Wolves at Old Trafford.
United were below par for much of the opening hour of the contest, with manager Erik ten Hag visibly frustrated on the touchline.
They almost went behind early in the second half when Matheus Cunha's volley from close range hit the post, before Matheus Nunes forced a save from Andre Onana, who is making his competitive debut, in the United goal.
But the hosts finally got the breakthrough through Varane, who powered his header beyond Jose Sa after good work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Bruno Fernandes, who is captaining United for the first time in an official capacity after replacing Harry Maguire in the role, had earlier played a crucial role in the build-up to the goal.
The Portuguese star's lofted pass forward providing Wan-Bissaka with the opportunity to loop the ball across to Varane.
The Frenchman's finish sent Old Trafford into raptures, with over three-quarters of the ground breathing a sigh of relief as United finally got off the mark for the campaign.
Despite the lack of a top tier performance, however, Ten Hag's side have put themselves in the driving seat to better last season's opening day defeat, when they lost 2-1 to Graham Potter's Brighton at Old Trafford.
Speaking before the game, United legend Gary Neville said it would be 'harsh' to consider his former club as title challengers this season, stating on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football: "Realistically, looking at where Arsenal are, and how they have recruited this summer, and looking at how established Manchester City are, I think it would be unrealistic and harsh to say that Manchester United should be competing for the title."
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