Erik ten Hag saluted Luke Shaw's "fabulous" performances at centre-half in Manchester United's victories over Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

The Dutchman has been forced to rotate United's defence on their return to action with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof suffering from illness and Lisandro Martinez still regaining fitness after Argentina's World Cup glory.

Casemiro filled in at centre-half during the EFL Cup victory over Burnley, while Shaw played alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of defence for their Premier League outings against Forest and Wolves.

Ten Hag's decision was justified with United recording consecutive clean sheets, and the England full-back could continue in the unfamiliar role for the visit of Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Explaining his thinking, the manager said of Shaw: "We have seen the last two games. I think he did fabulous and was impressing. We know also he is really good as a left full-back, but it's an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.

"Of course, you have your ideas and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry [Maguire] and from Victor [Lindelof].

"Normally, they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves.

"And I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Luke. Especially defending wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side.

"[Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia, so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always – with a left foot – get better angles on the pitch."

Ten Hag also revealed Martinez and Scott McTominay could return for the hosts in the first of four successive fixtures at Old Trafford, while Diogo Dalot could be in contention to feature as well.

"We have to see," he added. "Both [Martinez and McTominay] were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.

"Diogo Dalot also, he is making good progress – but we don't want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come, and we need a full squad to cover all the games."

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer Jack Grealish as well as a hefty transfer fee to Milan for in-demand forward Rafael Leao.

Leao, 23, has scored six goals with five assists in his 14 Serie A fixtures this campaign, following a 2021-22 season where he contributed 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 league appearances.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Grealish has been trending in the opposite direction, with the most expensive Englishman in football history only playing a complete 90 minutes in two of his 10 Premier League outings this season.

Chelsea have reportedly already seen a £62million (€70m) bid for Leao brushed off by Milan, who have apparently said they will wait for someone to meet his £133m (€150m) release clause, though a new report suggests City could be ready to make their move for the Portugal international.

 

TOP STORY – CITY PREPARED TO OFFER GREALISH IN BID FOR LEAO

While it remains to be seen exactly what price Milan would be happy to part ways with for their young star, City reportedly feel they have an ace up their sleeve in negotiations due to their willingness to send over a replacement player as part of their offer.

According to Calciomercato, City are willing to offer a package of Grealish plus cash to Milan for Leao, and the same outlet reported on December 6 that Milan had interest in Grealish in the event of Leao's departure.

Further reporting from Football Insider has stated City are looking to recoup £60m of their £100m initially spent on Grealish for a potential pursuit of Jude Bellingham.

 

ROUND-UP

– According to L'Equipe, Napoli are the leading candidates to land 22-year-old Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, while the Express adds Leicester City will also mount a charge for the Morocco standout if Youri Tielemans leaves in January.

– Media Foot is reporting Everton are in discussions with Montpellier about a potential £22m (€25m) move for 20-year-old striker Elye Wahi, who has represented France at the under-19 level.

Manchester United are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram after reports the French international will be available for just £10.6m (€12m) in January as he enters the final six months of his contract, per the Daily Mail. 

– Sport Arena is reporting Arsenal have agreed to a five-year contract with 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk

– According to Fichajes, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has had a change of heart and would now like to join Man Utd at the end of the season.

Martin Dubravka's loan spell with Manchester United has been cut short by Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

The Slovakia international made the move to Old Trafford in September to join Tom Heaton in providing competition for first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea.

Dubravka made just two appearances for United, both coming in EFL Cup in victories over Aston Villa and more recently Burnley.

He has not featured on the substitutes' bench for United in their past two Premier League games and has now been recalled by Newcastle.

Both clubs confirmed the news on their official websites on Sunday, as the transfer window officially opened.

Dubravka is now expected to provide back-up to Nick Pope at high-flying Newcastle, who are two points better off than United having played a game more.

He has made 130 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Sparta Prague in January 2018 and was voted the club's Player of the Year in the 2019-20 campaign.

Erik ten Hag has been taking charge of Manchester United Under-21s in a bid to ease young players' pathway to the first team.

Ten Hag was renowned for developing young players in his previous role at Ajax, and the Dutchman has looked to replicate that in his first season at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a breakthrough into the first team, while Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal have been named on the bench over the festive period.

Ten Hag – who coached Bayern Munich's second team earlier in his career – believes United's under-21 side was neglected before he took charge at the end of last season.

"For me, cooperation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club," Ten Hag said.

"Like at Ajax, when I entered Manchester United, the reserve team was isolated.

"It was no longer really part of the academy, but it wasn't part of the first team either. I changed that immediately, just as I did when I entered Amsterdam.

"At Ajax, the reserve team came under the responsibility of the manager. That was the only way I could have influence on the flow of young, talented players towards the first team.

"Of course, I still give the coaches freedom to work, but I also give them direction, by saying for example, 'I want that player to start playing minutes in that position'.

"So the final responsibility lies with me about how the second team performs and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team."

Ten Hag explained the quality of his coaching staff – including assistant Mitchell van der Gaag – allowed him to take a back seat in many training sessions and focus on United's overall approach.

"I talked to [director of football] John Murtough about this at length before I came to Manchester, and he set it up in such a way that I can work this way here too," he said.

"In the Netherlands, I made the step towards taking more of a managerial role at Ajax. If you don't have competent people around you, you can't delegate and you're going to do it all yourself anyway. 

"But if you do have competent people, you have to bring them into your vision and then you can delegate tasks. An example is the training process with the senior team. 

"I know this is in good hands with Mitchell. I can often take an overview view. Then, as a manager, you see a lot more than if you are working on the training exercises yourself."

Casemiro is tipping Marcus Rashford to become of the top five players in world football and admitted he was surprised by how good his Manchester United team-mate is.

Rashford was benched for United's trip to Wolves on New Year's Eve after oversleeping and missing a team meeting.

But the England forward came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory to continue his hot streak, which has seen him score three times since returning from World Cup duty.

Rashford has 11 goals in all competitions this season and Casemiro has been impressed by what he has seen since arriving in a big-money move from Real Madrid in August.

"I'm going to be very honest with you, I was really surprised by the player that Rashford is," said Casemiro.

"In my opinion, especially knowing the player off the pitch, if he does well he can be one of the five best players in the world."

United's victory meant they started 2023 in the Premier League's top four. Tottenham can go back ahead of the Red Devils by beating Aston Villa on Sunday, albeit Antonio Conte's side will have played a game more.

Erik ten Hag's men are next in action at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Chelsea are working to reunite manager Graham Potter with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in a January move believed to be worth in the range of £60million.

Mac Allister, 24, has been with Brighton since 2019, and is coming off his most productive Premier League campaign after forcing his way into Potter's best XI to earn 11 consecutive starts to close last season.

His emergence, which was followed up by a fine start to 2022-23, did not go unnoticed, with Mac Allister earning a spot in Argentina's World Cup squad, where he would go on to start all four of his country's knockout games and contribute an assist in the final against France.

Chelsea have spent plenty of time scouting Argentina players in search of midfield reinforcements, having long been linked with Enzo Fernandez, but have reportedly landed on Potter's recent colleague as the best value of the bunch.
 

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO BRIGHTON FOR SOLUTION TO MIDFIELD WOES

Chelsea's interest in fellow Argentina standout and Benfica midfielder Fernandez has also been well documented, but with his price tag exceeding £100m, Football Insider is reporting the Stamford Bridge club now view Mac Allister as a better value.

The report states Chelsea have "concrete" interest in making a January move a reality, and that £60m will likely be enough to pry him away from Brighton.

Meanwhile, Portuguese publication Relevo still claims Chelsea's move for Fernandez is only "one step away", confirming the 21-year-old has agreed to personal terms, but indicating Chelsea are hesitant about meeting his full release clause.


ROUND-UP

– According to the Star, Tottenham expect to complete a £35m move for Sporting right-back Pedro Porro by the end of the week.

– A Bola adds Tottenham are also investigating the possibility of bringing back 24-year-old English midfielder Marcus Edwards from Sporting, having initially left the club in 2019.

– Bild is reporting in-demand Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, 25, will be available for as little as €12m.

– According to Foot Mercato, Morocco and Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou could depart for Bayern Munich or Manchester United in January. 

Newcastle United have made an offer for 27-year-old Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, per Foot Mercato.

With a new year upon us, it's only natural to look ahead at the next 12 months and the footballers who could enjoy breakthroughs at the top level.

From one player who bears a striking resemblance to Diego Maradona, to another hoping to follow in the footsteps of Erling Haaland, Stats Perform has identified eight youngsters who could be worth keeping an eye on in 2023.

Gavin Bazunu – goalkeeper, 20, Southampton

It's been a difficult introduction to the Premier League for Bazunu. The Republic of Ireland international joined from Manchester City at the end of last season for a reported £12million, highlighting just how highly rated he is in the game.

But his 30 goals conceded (excluding own goals) have come from 21.3 expected goals on target (xGOT), which suggests Bazunu has been at fault for 8.7 goals this term – that's comfortably the worst such record in the Premier League.

Can he turn his season around and bolster Southampton's survival hopes? Bazunu has potential but is struggling to live up to it at the moment.

Devyne Rensch – full-back, 19, Ajax

With Noussair Mazraoui moving on to Bayern Munich in pre-season, Rensch has been given greater exposure to first-team football, with his 12 Eredivisie starts already four more than in the 2021-22 campaign.

He's less of an obvious attacking threat than Mazraoui, but Rensch is an elegant player, as you might expect of an Ajax academy product, and quick.

Comfortable on the ball and versatile enough to play across the back four, Rensch is a very well-rounded defender with a big future.

Giorgio Scalvini – 19, centre-back, Atalanta

Scalvini broke into the Atalanta first-team picture in 2021 as a 17-year-old. Since then, he has progressed quickly and impressively, to the extent where the club are expected to cash in on him to a significant degree in 2023.

An imposing yet classy central defender, Scalvini is very much the archetypal modern centre-back in terms of how he operates, with his 22.9 forward passes per 90 minutes this season among the very best in his role in Serie A.

Also comfortable playing in midfield, Scalvini likes to defend on the front foot as highlighted by his 2.7 tackles per 90 minutes ranking highly among centre-backs as well.

Atalanta are reportedly expecting to fetch at least €40m for him over the next year, with Inter, Juventus, Tottenham and Manchester City all said to be admirers.

Kobbie Mainoo – 17, central midfielder, Manchester United

Mainoo looks to be one of the most talented players United have produced in a while. The teenager has caused a stir with his performances in the club's youth teams over the past few years, and that has recently led to an internal promotion.

A silky central midfielder, Mainoo was a key part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup last season.

Given his technical ability, comparisons with Paul Pogba are to be expected, though the early signs suggest Mainoo may be able to offer the deep-lying playmaking qualities the Frenchman lacked.

He signed his first professional contract in May, was named on the bench for the second time this season in the Premier League during Saturday's win at Wolves, and featured prominently for United in the World Cup break after being promoted to the senior squad.

If there's any teenager in line to follow Alejandro Garnacho in establishing himself at Old Trafford, it's Mainoo.

Andreas Schjelderup – 18, left-winger, Nordsjaelland

Martin Odegaard, Haaland... could Schjelderup be Norway's latest superstar? The early signs are extremely positive.

The 18-year-old is still waiting for his first senior cap, but he's really making a name for himself in the Danish Superliga, with his dazzling dribbling abilities and eye for a goal causing defences no end of issues.

Schjelderup's 74 dribble attempts are the second-most in the league this season, while no one has bettered his 10 goals, with the teenager very effective coming in off the left flank on to his right foot.

Benfica are reportedly one of the clubs keen on him. Wherever he ends up, 2023 looks likely to be a breakthrough year for the youngster.

Carlos Alvarez – 19, attacking midfielder, Sevilla

It takes just a few seconds to realise why Alvarez is compared to Maradona. The stature, his tucked-in jersey, the hair – then he gets on the ball and the realisation hits home even more.

Left-footed, blessed with exceptional dribbling abilities and a remarkably low centre of gravity, Alvarez looks to be the most naturally gifted player to come through Sevilla's academy since Jose Antonio Reyes, and probably beyond.

But the club have been very protective over him and his development, so much so that his 75 minutes against Juventud Torremolinos in the Copa del Rey last week were his first for the senior side.

He made his debut for their B team just a couple of weeks after his 16th birthday in August 2019, and finally it would appear his senior breakthrough has arrived, with Isco's departure certainly not hurting his cause.

Alberto Moleiro – 19, attacking midfielder, Las Palmas

A gifted young midfielder who plays for Las Palmas – the 'new Pedri' tag is almost too obvious. Moleiro tends to operate in a more advanced role, though he is clearly similarly blessed.

Skilful and a talented dribbler, Moleiro is in his second season in Las Palmas' senior side and playing a key role in their promotion push.

He's yet to score a league goal this term, but Moleiro's creativity and bravery on the ball are real assets, with only two players in the Segunda bettering his 29 chances created in open play and just three tallying more than his 70 dribble attempts.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Barcelona are said to be keeping tabs on him – but even if he doesn't earn a move away from the Canary Islands, it would appear there's a strong possibility he'll be in LaLiga anyway before the end of 2023 with Las Palmas top of the second tier.

Karim Konate – 18, striker, Salzburg

Salzburg's conveyor belt of striker talent has been impressive in recent years. First there was Haaland, then Karim Adeyemi, and Benjamin Sesko has already secured a big-money move to RB Leipzig for the end of the season.

Konate will hope to be the next.

Like Adeyemi and Sesko before him, Konate – a well-rounded forward who is excellent in the air – has been honing his skills at Salzburg's sister club Liefering in Austria's second tier this season, scoring 10 times in 14 league games.

He's also been featuring for Salzburg's Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League, with his five goals in six games bettered by only five players.

Konate probably won't get his chance in the senior side until next season, but with Salzburg Champions League regulars these days, he will be one to look out for.

New Year's resolutions are easy to set but far less easy to keep.

But in order to enjoy a prosperous 2023, it will be vital for some to change their ways in the 12 months ahead.

That does not apply to everyone, and Premier League champions Manchester City will be sitting comfortably, even with ground to make up in the title race.

For those hoping to match Pep Guardiola's men, however, Stats Perform has identified some goals for 2023...
 

Save more money – Manchester United

The January sales make it difficult to save at this time of year, and Erik ten Hag has already outlined his desire to see a new striker brought in before the end of the month.

But if United reflect on past years, they might acknowledge that simply spending huge amounts is not a fix for their problems on the field.

In theory, Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has left a hole, except he was not in Ten Hag's first team anyway. The United manager might be better served making good use of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial rather than rushing to buy a player unlikely to be drastically better at great cost.

Exercise more – Chelsea

A cold January provides plenty of excuses not to head out for a run, but Chelsea would love to be able to put their key men to work. Instead, they have too often been injured.

N'Golo Kante remains out, and Reece James and Ben Chilwell have missed a huge chunk of the season. James returned this week but lasted little over 50 minutes before feeling another knee injury, while Wesley Fofana is also out again.

Chelsea will spend in January, but their hopes of recovering a Champions League charge will depend on being able to have existing players back fit again.

Learn a new skill – Darwin Nunez

Liverpool also have persistent injury problems, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota still on the sidelines, but they should still have more than enough to really push for a top-four finish.

While the signing of Cody Gakpo helps in that regard, Liverpool's season might be shaped by Nunez's ability to score consistently at this level.

Nunez is among the Premier League's most prolific shooters but has repeatedly squandered big chances. That goalscoring knack is not easy to learn, yet Liverpool need their big pre-season signing to do exactly that.

Live life to the fullest – Arsenal

Arsenal fans have spent years complaining about their team, with no league title since 2004 and no hope of a title challenge since 2016.

They are now sitting pretty at the top of the table heading into 2023, so it is time to enjoy it. There is no guarantee the Gunners will be able to hold off City – or Newcastle United – but this has already been a season to remember.

Even if Mikel Arteta's men slip away and merely secure a return to Champions League football, supporters must recognise this for the successful campaign it is.

Get organised – Tottenham

If rivals Spurs are to join Arsenal in Europe's elite club competition next season, they simply must become more organised – not something you would necessarily associate with an Antonio Conte side.

Rather than post-Christmas clutter, Tottenham's biggest issue is their defence, repeatedly conceding cheap goals that give Harry Kane and Co. a mountain to climb.

The quality of Kane, Son Heung-min and the rest ensures Spurs remain in the mix regardless, but there is too much competition this season for Spurs not to be punished if they continue with these defensive lapses.

Travel more – Newcastle United

Newcastle have emerged as surprise contenders this season – contenders for what exactly we and they are not yet sure.

But for all the optimistic talk of a title surge or Champions League qualification, Newcastle simply must secure European football now to continue their progress.

Although it is an aim that might have appeared optimistic at the start of the season, the Magpies cannot miss out from this commanding position, needing to be travelling Europe to keep Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman and attract similarly exciting talents.

Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City again failing to win a New Year's Eve game as the Gunners stormed seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

A 4-2 win at Brighton and Hove Albion did the job for Arsenal after Pep Guardiola's men were held 1-1 at home by Everton, meaning City remain winless in all five of their Premier League games played on December 31, drawing four and losing one.

Third-placed Newcastle United also took a stumble, drawing 0-0 at home against Leeds United in what was a league-high fourth goalless stalemate for the Magpies this season.

Elsewhere, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse became the fifth player to score an own goal and a direct free-kick in a Premier League game and the first since Gareth Bale for Tottenham against Liverpool in November 2012. The Saints were beaten 2-1 at Fulham.

Manchester United edged out Wolves at Molineux, thanks to Marcus Rashford scoring the only goal of the game.

Guided by Opta data, Stats Perform takes a close look at some of the key statistics from the final Premier League games in 2022.

Brighton and Hove Albion 2-4 Arsenal: Saka's fast start sets the tone

Bukayo Saka put Mikel Arteta's men ahead after just 66 seconds, the earliest away goal for the Gunners in the Premier League since May 2013, when Theo Walcott netted after just 20 seconds against QPR.

Captain Martin Odegaard (seven goals, five assists in his last 13 Premier League games), Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli struck to build on that early opener, before a late wobble saw Brighton threaten to make a game of it.

Arsenal are just the fifth side in English top-flight history to pick up 43 points or more from the first 16 games in a season (assuming three points for a win).

The others are Tottenham (46 pts in 1960-61), Chelsea (43 pts in 2005-06), Manchester City (46 pts in 2017-18) and Liverpool (46 pts in 2019-20). The connection between those sides is they each went on to be champions.

Brighton are struggling at home but have a bright prospect in Evan Ferguson, who at the age of 18 years and 73 days became the club's youngest Premier League goalscorer when he grabbed the Seagulls' second.

Newcastle United 0-0 Leeds United: Out of Toon, Howe's team draw a blank

Newcastle ended the year with an outstanding 2022 record at St James' Park, collecting 41 points from 18 games (W12 D5 L1), with only Liverpool (48) and Manchester City (44) accruing more points on home turf.

This result was a disappointment, but perhaps we should have seen it coming. Despite posting an expected goals (xG) total of 2.01, which confirms they had plenty of chances to take all three points, Newcastle have now not won their final league game in any of the last six calendar years (D5 L1) since beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the Championship in 2016.

Leeds, scrapping to stay out of trouble in the bottom half, are unbeaten in four consecutive away league games against Newcastle for the first time (W1 D3), and their haul of four points from their last three trips away from Elland Road matches their total from their previous seven road games (W1 D1 L5).

Manchester City 1-1 Everton: Gray day as Haaland strike is not enough

This looked like being a familiar story when Erling Haaland fired City ahead in the 24th minute, but Demarai Gray's fine second-half leveller rescued a point for lowly Everton.

The result means reigning champions City, who were stunned 2-1 on home soil by Brentford before the World Cup break, have gone consecutive home games without picking up a win for the first time since losing to Leeds and Chelsea in April-May 2021.

Everton avoided defeat after falling behind at the Etihad Stadium for the first time and collected their first league point at the ground since a 1-1 draw in August 2017.

Haaland's 21 Premier League goals so far this term is the highest number scored by any player in a campaign before the turn of the year, and only Harry Kane (26) has managed more in the competition in the calendar year.

Gray's sweet strike in the 64th minute was Everton's first shot of the game, and it gave the former Leicester City winger his first away league goal since he netted in August 2021 at Brighton.

Wolves 0-1 Manchester United: Rash won't go away

Rashford came off the bench to be the hero, having been relegated to a substitute role after sleeping in and turning up late for a team meeting.

That was a rare misstep from the England man, who is showing exemplary form for United just now. Rashford has scored in three consecutive games for United for the first time since November 2019.

Rashford's classy 76th-minute finish gave him a 100th goal involvement in the Premier League (65 goals, 35 assists), and a 12th goal as a substitute in the competition. Only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (17) and Javier Hernandez (14) have netted more off the bench for United in the competition.

Former manager Solskjaer, meanwhile, is the only boss who has reached 10 Premier League wins in fewer matches than Erik ten Hag. It took Solskjaer 12 games, while Ten Hag has needed 16 to reach the total, with his team now up to fourth spot.

United's success gave them a third consecutive away win at Wolves for the first time, while it means they have not lost their last league game of the year since a shock 3-2 reverse to Blackburn Rovers in 2011, winning eight and drawing three of their year-ending fixtures since.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was not interested in revisiting the drama around Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker completed his move to Al Nassr.

The 37-year-old left United in November when the two parties agreed to terminate his contract following a very public disintegration in their relationship that began at the end of last season.

Ronaldo did not go on United's pre-season tour owing to personal reasons, a situation accompanied by widespread reports of the Portugal great wanting to leave.

When Ronaldo did eventually report to pre-season training, he and several team-mates left Old Trafford before the end of the friendly with Rayo Vallecano, conduct Ten Hag described as "unacceptable" from all involved.

Ronaldo was then dropped from the squad entirely for the October clash with Chelsea after he refused to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham, but the final straw came a few weeks later when he took part in a remarkable interview with Piers Morgan, taking the opportunity to publicly criticise the club and Ten Hag.

That unsurprisingly led to his contract termination and Ronaldo finally signed a reported two-and-a-half-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr on Friday, but Ten Hag simply refused to talk about his former player after Saturday's 1-0 win over Wolves.

"I don't talk about the past, let's talk about the future," Ten Hag told reporters.

"We made a good step today. First time we are in the top four, but it means nothing because it is a long way to go.

"We have to live from game to game, get in the position to win something."

Ronaldo may have been the first to draw the wrath of Ten Hag at United this season, though he was certainly not the last.

Marcus Rashford found himself benched for the trip to Molineux after missing the start of a team meeting due to oversleeping.

The England forward came on for the second half and scored United's winning goal, with the narrative ultimately reflecting quite well on both Ten Hag and Rashford, the former for his decisive leadership, and the latter for his response.

United defender Luke Shaw was keen to salute the manager's commitment to discipline, suggesting it was a departure from some of his predecessors.

"At a top club like this, it has to be like that," he told BT Sport. "I think that people can't do whatever they want and maybe that's been part of the problem in the past, with people getting away with silly little things.

"The manager takes all of that into consideration. Like you've seen today, if you're not keeping the standards high then you won't play."

United's victory ensured they will end 2022 fourth in the Premier League, just two points behind Newcastle United, after climbing above Tottenham.

If Manchester United could bottle their end-of-year form, perhaps their struggles over the past decade would have long been consigned to history.

Substitute Marcus Rashford's goal gave United a 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, continuing a theme of strong form at this time of year.

The Red Devils have not lost their final league game in a calendar year since suffering a 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in 2011, winning eight and drawing three of their 11 matches since.

Here, Stats Perform looks at United's impressive run, as Erik ten Hag aims to mastermind a resurgence for the team who were last champions of England in the 2012-13 season.
 

Blackburn's birthday blues for Ferguson

Alex Ferguson turned 70 on December 31, 2011. His team neglected to deliver a worthy present, though, as they stumbled to a 3-2 home defeat against Blackburn, who began the day at the foot of the Premier League.

United would have gone top with three points, usurping neighbours Manchester City, but Yakubu's two goals put Blackburn into a shock 2-0 lead, and although Dimitar Berbatov replied with a double, Grant Hanley headed a winner for Steve Kean's team.

Of those involved that day, two players remain at United, with David de Gea still first choice as goalkeeper. Phil Jones, the other survivor, was a player United picked up from Blackburn, expecting great things. He is still at United, but you would hardly know it, given Jones has not made a first-team appearance this season.

Come the end of the 2011-12 campaign, Manchester City took the title on goal difference from United, a first English league crown in 44 years, while Blackburn were relegated.

Ferguson's birthday and New Year's Eve celebrations began on a bum note, and United have made sure to finish the year in a more assured manner ever since.

Signing off on a high

Ferguson's last Christmas and New Year stretch as United boss saw his team harvest 10 points from four games from December 23 to January 1.

On their final outing in 2012, an own goal from Gareth McAuley and a late clincher from Robin van Persie secured a 2-0 win at home against West Brom on December 29.

That was the beginning of the 11-game unbeaten stretch in year-ending league games for United, and it was another important stepping stone on their march to winning the title by 11 points.

Since then, United have had year-end league wins against Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Bournemouth, Burnley (twice) and Wolves (twice), while managing draws against Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton.

Is United's run a record?

It's not even a club record. United had a run of 13 unbeaten year-end league games between 1955 and 1967, so Ten Hag's team have some way to go to beat that tally.

Manchester City put together a 14-game unbeaten streak in their final Premier League fixture of the year from 2002 to 2015. It came to an end on New Year's Eve in 2016, when Georginio Wijnaldum's early header earned Liverpool a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola's men at Anfield.

Marcus Rashford found the "right answer" to being benched by scoring Manchester United's winner at Wolves on Saturday, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite being England's joint-top goalscorer at the World Cup and then netting two in two for United on his return to club football, Rashford was named on the bench for the visit to Molineux because of an "internal disciplinary" breach.

But after a lacklustre first-half display, Ten Hag brought on Rashford at the break, a decision that paid dividends as the forward scored a 76th-minute winner to send Manchester United into the Premier League's top four heading into 2023.

Ten Hag was delighted with the forward's response to being left out of the starting line-up, which the 25-year-old explained after the game was because he overslept and arrived late to a team meeting.

"It's good after the decision," Ten Hag told BT Sport. "Rashford came in.

"He was bright, he was lively and he scored a goal to give a good reaction. Everyone has to adhere to the rules and if you react like this, it is the right answer."

United's poor performance in the opening 45 minutes left Ten Hag with little choice but to make a change at half-time, with Fred also coming on shortly after the interval.

As well as the substitutions, Ten Hag feels his side's improved mentality in the second period spurred them to victory, saying: "We were not that good in the first half.

"In my opinion, the second half was better. Fred was winning second balls and linking play when he came on.

"In the first half, you analyse the game but sometimes things do not work as expected. Wolves did not create many chances and we did but you have to be sharp.

"I was not happy at half time and I told them with this attitude they will not win this game and everyone had to give 10 per cent more."

Marcus Rashford has revealed he was benched for Manchester United’s Premier League win over Wolves after he overslept and was late for a team meeting.

The in-form United forward was among the substitutes for the Premier League clash at Molineux on New Year’s Eve, but came on to score the only goal of the game.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said the England international was left out of the starting line-up for a breach of discipline and Rashford confirmed he was punished for staying in bed too long.

"I was a little bit late for a meeting," he told BT Sport. "I just slept in and overslept. It's a mistake that can happen.

"[I was] obviously disappointed not to play, but I understand the decision. I think we can draw a line under it and move on."

Team-mate Luke Shaw was full of praise for Rashford following his match-winning impact off the bench.

"When you've got someone like Marcus Rashford to come on in the second half, you know there’s a goal coming," he added.

"I think he's in a good way at the moment. It's nice to see it. Everyone knows the quality he's got, and he can be one of the best of the world if he keeps going."

Rio Ferdinand thinks Harry Maguire should be looking to leave Manchester United in January.

The Red Devils defender has made only three Premier League starts this season, with Luke Shaw preferred to him at centre-back in the wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolves following the World Cup.

Maguire was impressive for his country in Qatar, but remains out of favour with United boss Erik ten Hag

Former United defender Ferdinand believes the former Leicester City man needs a new challenge.

"If I'm Harry Maguire, I'd be looking for a new club right now," he told BT Sport. "You've seen what he's done with England, he's [been] impeccable.

"He's faultless for them, the way he plays. He puts in good, solid performances. [But] at Manchester United, it hasn't worked out for him.

"This new manager, by his team selection, has shown him he is not going to be one or the top two or three centre-backs in his squad."

Maguire has struggled with illness since returning from England duty, but came off the bench against Wolves and Forest.

Lisandro Martinez will be expected to be restored to the team when he returns following Argentina's World Cup triumph, while Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have both been given more opportunities than Maguire.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to steer Manchester United to a 1-0 victory over struggling Wolves at Molineux and send them into 2023 in the top four of the Premier League.

Rashford had scored two in two since returning from the World Cup but was benched by Erik ten Hag on Saturday for disciplinary reasons as United put in a blunt first-half performance.

The England international was introduced at the break and had a huge impact, firing home a 76th-minute winner with a powerful finish past Jose Sa, before he later had a second ruled out following a VAR check.

It could be a huge three points for United on the road as they leapfrog Tottenham into fourth, with Spurs due to play Aston Villa on Sunday.

The hosts received a huge let-off early on when an under-hit Nelson Semedo backpass put Alejandro Garnacho in on goal, only for Sa to bail out his right-back with a vital stop.

Diego Costa missed a big chance shortly after, doing the hard work to make space for a shot but sending a tame effort straight into the waiting hands of David de Gea.

Antony spurned an opportunity before the break when he saw a header saved after great work down the left by Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia.

Rashford, brought on at half-time, had the last laugh when his battling run ended with him smashing into the back of the net.

He had the ball in the back of the net in the 85th minute but the ball was adjudged to have come off his arm, and De Gea superbly kept out Raul Jimenez's header in the closing seconds as United held on for all three points.

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