Manchester United survived an onslaught from Wolves and huge claims for a late penalty to start the Premier League season with a 1-0 win thanks to Raphael Varane's header on Monday.

Wolves had seen manager Julen Lopetegui walk out less than a week before the new campaign, but dominated for long spells at Old Trafford.

A combination of wasteful finishing and new United goalkeeper Andre Onana kept the visitors at bay until Varane headed in 14 minutes from time.

Onana was lucky to escape when he punched Sasa Kalajdzic as he flapped at a cross deep into stoppage time and VAR did not intervene.

"It looked like the keeper nearly took our forward's head off," said Wolves boss Gary O'Neil. "I think it is a foul. You go for the ball and clatter the player that hard. It is a penalty."

O'Neil added that Premier League referees chief Jon Moss had contacted him after the game to apologise for the decision.

United clung on to get off to a winning start, in stark contrast to the two defeats that began Erik ten Hag's reign 12 months ago.

But the manner of the performance raises questions over whether United can pose a serious challenge for their first Premier League title in a decade.

"There is no easy game in the Premier League and definitely not Wolves," said Ten Hag.

"You have to fight in every game. We hope we'll be better on the ball in the next game."

United fans' wishes that a new season would start under new ownership have not been met with a sale process seemingly at a standstill.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-test-series-loss-in-sa-to-disappointment-in-wi-t20is-team-indias-shocking-lows-in-rahul-dravids-tenure-625379">From colossal failure in SA to WI T20I series loss: Team India's shocking LOWS in Rahul Dravid's tenure</a>

The home support again showed their displeasure towards owners, the Glazer family, with a pre-match protest against the Americans and chants of "we want Glazers out" at kick-off.

That lingering uncertainty has not stopped another summer of big spending by the Red Devils.

Onana and midfielder Mason Mount were handed their debuts by Ten Hag, but new £64 million ($81 million) striker Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out by a back injury.

Wolves, by contrast, lost Lopetegui less six days ago due to a lack of funds in the transfer market.

O'Neil replaced the Spaniard tasked with repeating his heroics in keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League last season.

Wolves did not look like a club in crisis as they controlled the game, but suffered from a lack of a cutting edge up front.

Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha fired the best chances of the first-half just past the post.

Cunha came even closer at the start of the second period. The Brazilian should have scored when he hit the outside of the post with the goal gaping.

The £44 million obligation to buy Cunha from Atletico Madrid this summer has restricted Wolves' budget.

But the 24-year-old showed a glimpse of why he could yet live up to that fee with a surging run through the heart of the United midfield before firing a low shot that Onana turned behind.

Pedro Neto was next to waste a glorious opportunity when he shot straight at Onana with just the Cameroonian to beat.

Wolves wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them when Varane nodded in 15 minutes from time.

Bruno Fernandes' pass picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose lofted cross picked out the French centre-back to head into an unguarded net.

Wolves could still have bounced back to take a more than deserved point.

Onana twice denied substitute Fabio Silva with his legs before the former Inter Milan 'keeper somehow when he flapped at a cross and wiped out Kalajdzic.

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Manchester United survived an onslaught from Wolves and huge claims for a late penalty to start the Premier League season with a 1-0 win thanks to Raphael Varane's header on Monday.

Manchester United survived an onslaught from Wolves and huge claims for a late penalty to start the Premier League season with a 1-0 win thanks to Raphael Varane's header on Monday. Wolves had seen manager Julen Lopetegui walk out less than a week before the new campaign, but dominated for long spells at Old Trafford. A combination of wasteful finishing and new United goalkeeper Andre Onana kept the visitors at bay until Varane headed in 14 minutes from time. Onana was lucky to escape when he punched Sasa Kalajdzic as he flapped at a cross deep into stoppage time and VAR did not intervene. "It looked like the keeper nearly took our forward's head off," said Wolves boss Gary O'Neil. "I think it is a foul. You go for the ball and clatter the player that hard. It is a penalty." O'Neil added that Premier League referees chief Jon Moss had contacted him after the game to apologise for the decision. United clung on to get off to a winning start, in stark contrast to the two defeats that began Erik ten Hag's reign 12 months ago. But the manner of the performance raises questions over whether United can pose a serious challenge for their first Premier League title in a decade. "There is no easy game in the Premier League and definitely not Wolves," said Ten Hag. "You have to fight in every game. We hope we'll be better on the ball in the next game." United fans' wishes that a new season would start under new ownership have not been met with a sale process seemingly at a standstill. ALSO READ | From colossal failure in SA to WI T20I series loss: Team India's shocking LOWS in Rahul Dravid's tenure The home support again showed their displeasure towards owners, the Glazer family, with a pre-match protest against the Americans and chants of "we want Glazers out" at kick-off. That lingering uncertainty has not stopped another summer of big spending by the Red Devils. Onana and midfielder Mason Mount were handed their debuts by Ten Hag, but new £64 million ($81 million) striker Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out by a back injury. Wolves, by contrast, lost Lopetegui less six days ago due to a lack of funds in the transfer market. O'Neil replaced the Spaniard tasked with repeating his heroics in keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League last season. Wolves did not look like a club in crisis as they controlled the game, but suffered from a lack of a cutting edge up front. Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha fired the best chances of the first-half just past the post. Cunha came even closer at the start of the second period. The Brazilian should have scored when he hit the outside of the post with the goal gaping. The £44 million obligation to buy Cunha from Atletico Madrid this summer has restricted Wolves' budget. But the 24-year-old showed a glimpse of why he could yet live up to that fee with a surging run through the heart of the United midfield before firing a low shot that Onana turned behind. Pedro Neto was next to waste a glorious opportunity when he shot straight at Onana with just the Cameroonian to beat. Wolves wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them when Varane nodded in 15 minutes from time. Bruno Fernandes' pass picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose lofted cross picked out the French centre-back to head into an unguarded net. Wolves could still have bounced back to take a more than deserved point. Onana twice denied substitute Fabio Silva with his legs before the former Inter Milan 'keeper somehow when he flapped at a cross and wiped out Kalajdzic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Premier League: Man Utd punish wasteful Wolves for winning opener; Varane scores only goal in 76th minute

Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Marcus Rashford's deflected strike deep into stoppage time beat Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to move United up to second and within two points of leaders Liverpool.

After come from behind wins at Brighton and Southampton already this season, United have now won three of their first 15 games of the season in added time, a trait Solskjaer knows well from his playing career at Old Trafford under Alex Ferguson.

"It's one of the points we brought up early in the season, that we didn't win many points towards the end of games," said Solskjaer.

"We have a tradition for it at this club. &nbsp;Obviously we've normally got many more supporters helping us to do that.

"Now we've won many more points towards the end of games and that's both a mental aspect and a physical aspect."

United laboured for long spells against a youthful Wolves side despite having a day's extra rest than the visitors, who were in action just 48 hours previously against Tottenham.

But Solskjaer described snatching victory from an uninspired performance as a "big step forward" as United beat Wolves for the first time in five meetings between the sides since Nuno Espirito Santo's men returned to the top flight two-and-a-half-years ago.

"We didn't perform as well as we want to do but we win a game against a very difficult side to play against," added Solskjaer.

"We've struggled against them, this is the first win in the league. We've played them seven times (over the past three seasons) and there has never been many goals in the games.

"This is a big step forward that you don't perform, but you still win."

United's victory continues an excellent run of 23 points from the last possible 27 to mount a title challenge that looked unlikely after winning just two of their opening six league games.

Solskjaer's men host Aston Villa on New Year's Day before travelling to face Liverpool on January 17, in a match which could have huge ramifications on the title race.

"We cannot get too far ahead of ourselves," said Solskjaer. "We've got to a decent position at the moment but we are not even halfway, there is a long, long way to go."

Defeat was harsh on Wolves, who competed manfully given the tight turnaround for two hugely demanding fixtures.

However, the visitors again lacked a goal threat in the absence of Raul Jimenez, who is expected to miss much of the rest of the season due to a fractured skull.

"This is football and a learning process," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "It's cruel in the moment but you can't stay feeling sorry. You have to move forward."

The last clash between the sides at Old Trafford in February was Bruno Fernandes's debut for United.

The Portuguese has had a transformative impact on the United's fortunes, but he could not beat international teammate Patricio with by far the hosts' best chance of the first-half as he snuck in at the back post to meet Mason Greenwood's cross.

Solskjaer lauded Edinson Cavani's predatory instincts on the eve of the game, suggesting the Uruguayan will be handed an extension to his contract for next season.

The 33-year-old did find the net with his only chance 20 minutes from time, but was offside as the ball broke his way from a corner.

Instead it was Rashford who made the telling impact as he raced onto Fernandes's hopeful long ball over the top.

The England international cut inside, but Patricio looked to have his shot covered until it hit Saiss and flew in at the near post.

Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marcus Rashford's deflected strike deep into stoppage time beat Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to move United up to second and within two points of leaders Liverpool. After come from behind wins at Brighton and Southampton already this season, United have now won three of their first 15 games of the season in added time, a trait Solskjaer knows well from his playing career at Old Trafford under Alex Ferguson. "It's one of the points we brought up early in the season, that we didn't win many points towards the end of games," said Solskjaer. "We have a tradition for it at this club. Obviously we've normally got many more supporters helping us to do that. "Now we've won many more points towards the end of games and that's both a mental aspect and a physical aspect." United laboured for long spells against a youthful Wolves side despite having a day's extra rest than the visitors, who were in action just 48 hours previously against Tottenham. But Solskjaer described snatching victory from an uninspired performance as a "big step forward" as United beat Wolves for the first time in five meetings between the sides since Nuno Espirito Santo's men returned to the top flight two-and-a-half-years ago. "We didn't perform as well as we want to do but we win a game against a very difficult side to play against," added Solskjaer. "We've struggled against them, this is the first win in the league. We've played them seven times (over the past three seasons) and there has never been many goals in the games. "This is a big step forward that you don't perform, but you still win." United's victory continues an excellent run of 23 points from the last possible 27 to mount a title challenge that looked unlikely after winning just two of their opening six league games. Solskjaer's men host Aston Villa on New Year's Day before travelling to face Liverpool on January 17, in a match which could have huge ramifications on the title race. "We cannot get too far ahead of ourselves," said Solskjaer. "We've got to a decent position at the moment but we are not even halfway, there is a long, long way to go." Defeat was harsh on Wolves, who competed manfully given the tight turnaround for two hugely demanding fixtures. However, the visitors again lacked a goal threat in the absence of Raul Jimenez, who is expected to miss much of the rest of the season due to a fractured skull. "This is football and a learning process," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "It's cruel in the moment but you can't stay feeling sorry. You have to move forward." The last clash between the sides at Old Trafford in February was Bruno Fernandes's debut for United. The Portuguese has had a transformative impact on the United's fortunes, but he could not beat international teammate Patricio with by far the hosts' best chance of the first-half as he snuck in at the back post to meet Mason Greenwood's cross. Solskjaer lauded Edinson Cavani's predatory instincts on the eve of the game, suggesting the Uruguayan will be handed an extension to his contract for next season. The 33-year-old did find the net with his only chance 20 minutes from time, but was offside as the ball broke his way from a corner. Instead it was Rashford who made the telling impact as he raced onto Fernandes's hopeful long ball over the top. The England international cut inside, but Patricio looked to have his shot covered until it hit Saiss and flew in at the near post.

Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves

Spluttering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rooney-dons-captains-armband-on-derby-debut-in-win-over-barnsley-271897">Manchester United</a> was forced to settle for a dour 0-0 draw at Wolves in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hard-night-ahead-for-manchester-united-solskjaer-271952">FA Cup</a> third round, while holders Manchester City started their bid to retain the trophy with a 4-1 victory against Port Vale on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-considering-january-reinforcements-with-pogba-mctominay-injured-271629">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's</a> troubled side didn't manage a single shot on target in a domestic game for the first time in five years.

Easily beaten by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-unbeaten-for-a-year-liverpool-271841">Arsenal</a> in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-dominate-manchester-united-in-first-win-for-arteta-271539">Premier League</a> on Wednesday, United once again struggled to find any momentum and now face an unwanted replay at Old Trafford later in January.

Defending the latest in a growing list of underwhelming displays, Solskjaer said: "I'm happier to be in the replay than going out. It's a fair result that we are both still in the cup.&nbsp;

"It's a tough place to come. They had chances. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-urges-manchester-united-to-show-killer-instinct-252175">Sergio Romero</a> made some great saves. He's putting pressure on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-up-to-fifth-with-2-0-win-at-burnley-270810">David de Gea</a> and that's what we want. We want the best players in the world here."

Solskjaer made seven changes at Molineux with the League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City looming on Tuesday.

Knocked out by Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals last season, disjointed United nearly fell behind when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-title-bid-fades-after-stunning-loss-against-wolves-270681">Matt Doherty's</a> volley was superbly turned away by Romero.

Brandon Williams had a strong penalty appeal rejected by VAR after the United left-back tumbled following a challenge with Leander Dendoncker.

United substitute Marcus Rashford hit the bar with his first touch, but Wolves nearly won it in the closing moments as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-wolves-beat-villa-to-move-into-top-eight-261293">Raul Jimenez</a> smashed against a post, leaving Solskjaer's men with just two wins from their last five matches.

At the Etihad Stadium, City boss Pep Guardiola made seven changes, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-man-city-see-off-sheffield-united-but-var-questioned-again-270925">Oleksandr Zinchenko</a> got the scoring started against fourth-tier Vale after 20 minutes.

Port Vale striker Tom Pope had memorably mocked John Stones last year, claiming he would love to play against him after being underwhelmed by the City defender's performance during an England match.

And with Stones returning for City after a month out with a hamstring injury, the 34-year-old Pope backed up his social media taunts by equalising with a glancing header in the 35th minute.

Sergio Aguero restored order when he fired City back in front with his 15th goal of the season three minutes before half-time.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis sealed the win from Stones' flick in the 58th minute and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-jesus-double-helps-man-city-inflict-first-defeat-on-ancelotti-271641">Phil Foden</a> got the fourth in the 76th minute.

"We are in the next round after an incredible amount of games. We played seriously. First half we struggled a bit but second half was better," Guardiola said.

Aston Villa and Brighton suffered embarrassing exits as the Premier League clubs paid the price for making a raft of team changes.

Villa are languishing just above the relegation zone after a difficult first season back in the top-flight and boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-abraham-return-helps-chelsea-beat-villa-266321">Dean Smith</a> prioritised that survival battle with nine changes in the 2-1 loss at second tier Fulham.

Anthony Knockaert gave Fulham the lead with a 54th minute curler as the former Brighton forward grabbed his first goal since September.

Anwar El Ghazi equalised for Villa in the 63rd minute, but the understudies couldn't hold on as Harry Arter won it with a 30-yard thunderbolt with 16 minutes left.

"The game was won by two wonder-goals," Smith said. "I don't like losing in any competition, but everyone could see this wasn't top of our priority list, because we have had injuries to three key players."

Brighton endured the same fate as Villa as Albion boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-its-a-crime-mourinho-rages-against-festive-fixture-pile-up-270511">Graham Potter</a> made seven changes from their New Year's Day draw against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-boss-arteta-gives-playmaker-ozil-benefit-of-the-doubt-270933">Chelsea</a> and second tier Sheffield Wednesday took advantage with a 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium.

Adam Reach blasted Wednesday into the fourth round with a deflected long-range strike in the 65th minute.

Watford blew a three-goal lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw against third-tier strugglers Tranmere, while Newcastle were held to a 1-1 draw by League One minnows Rochdale.

The pick of Sunday's ties sees Liverpool face Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, while Arsenal host Leeds on Monday.&nbsp;

Spluttering Manchester United was forced to settle for a dour 0-0 draw at Wolves in the FA Cup third round, while holders Manchester City started their bid to retain the trophy with a 4-1 victory against Port Vale on Saturday.

Spluttering Manchester United was forced to settle for a dour 0-0 draw at Wolves in the FA Cup third round, while holders Manchester City started their bid to retain the trophy with a 4-1 victory against Port Vale on Saturday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's troubled side didn't manage a single shot on target in a domestic game for the first time in five years. Easily beaten by Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday, United once again struggled to find any momentum and now face an unwanted replay at Old Trafford later in January. Defending the latest in a growing list of underwhelming displays, Solskjaer said: "I'm happier to be in the replay than going out. It's a fair result that we are both still in the cup. "It's a tough place to come. They had chances. Sergio Romero made some great saves. He's putting pressure on David de Gea and that's what we want. We want the best players in the world here." Solskjaer made seven changes at Molineux with the League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City looming on Tuesday. Knocked out by Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals last season, disjointed United nearly fell behind when Matt Doherty's volley was superbly turned away by Romero. Brandon Williams had a strong penalty appeal rejected by VAR after the United left-back tumbled following a challenge with Leander Dendoncker. United substitute Marcus Rashford hit the bar with his first touch, but Wolves nearly won it in the closing moments as Raul Jimenez smashed against a post, leaving Solskjaer's men with just two wins from their last five matches. At the Etihad Stadium, City boss Pep Guardiola made seven changes, but Oleksandr Zinchenko got the scoring started against fourth-tier Vale after 20 minutes. Port Vale striker Tom Pope had memorably mocked John Stones last year, claiming he would love to play against him after being underwhelmed by the City defender's performance during an England match. And with Stones returning for City after a month out with a hamstring injury, the 34-year-old Pope backed up his social media taunts by equalising with a glancing header in the 35th minute. Sergio Aguero restored order when he fired City back in front with his 15th goal of the season three minutes before half-time. Taylor Harwood-Bellis sealed the win from Stones' flick in the 58th minute and Phil Foden got the fourth in the 76th minute. "We are in the next round after an incredible amount of games. We played seriously. First half we struggled a bit but second half was better," Guardiola said. Aston Villa and Brighton suffered embarrassing exits as the Premier League clubs paid the price for making a raft of team changes. Villa are languishing just above the relegation zone after a difficult first season back in the top-flight and boss Dean Smith prioritised that survival battle with nine changes in the 2-1 loss at second tier Fulham. Anthony Knockaert gave Fulham the lead with a 54th minute curler as the former Brighton forward grabbed his first goal since September. Anwar El Ghazi equalised for Villa in the 63rd minute, but the understudies couldn't hold on as Harry Arter won it with a 30-yard thunderbolt with 16 minutes left. "The game was won by two wonder-goals," Smith said. "I don't like losing in any competition, but everyone could see this wasn't top of our priority list, because we have had injuries to three key players." Brighton endured the same fate as Villa as Albion boss Graham Potter made seven changes from their New Year's Day draw against Chelsea and second tier Sheffield Wednesday took advantage with a 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium. Adam Reach blasted Wednesday into the fourth round with a deflected long-range strike in the 65th minute. Watford blew a three-goal lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw against third-tier strugglers Tranmere, while Newcastle were held to a 1-1 draw by League One minnows Rochdale. The pick of Sunday's ties sees Liverpool face Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, while Arsenal host Leeds on Monday.

FA Cup: Manchester United held by Wolves, Manchester City cruise through