# Manchester United Lucky to Avoid Penalty in Season Opener Against Wolves
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says his side were “lucky” to not concede a penalty after goalkeeper Andre Onana’s collision with Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic in their Premier League season opener. The match ended with a 1-0 win for Manchester United, thanks to a late goal from defender Raphael Varane.
The incident in question occurred in the second half of the match, when Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic was through on goal and was brought down by Onana. Referee Paul Tierney waved play on, much to the relief of the Manchester United players and staff.
Speaking after the match, ten Hag said: “It was a lucky situation for us. The referee could have given a penalty, but he didn’t. We’re happy with the result, but we know we have to improve.”
The incident was discussed widely on social media, with many fans and pundits debating whether or not a penalty should have been awarded. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said: “It was a clear penalty. Onana had no chance of getting the ball and made contact with Kalajdzic. It should have been a penalty.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United player Gary Neville said: “It was a difficult decision for the referee. Onana got there first and made contact with Kalajdzic, but it wasn’t a clear penalty. I think the referee got it right.”
The result means that Manchester United have started the season with a win, but ten Hag knows that his side must improve if they are to challenge for the title this season. He said: “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and more solid at the back. We need to work hard and keep improving if we want to challenge for the title this season.”
The win was secured thanks to a late goal from defender Raphael Varane, who headed home from a corner in the 87th minute. It was a crucial goal for Manchester United, and one that could prove to be vital come the end of the season.
The result means that Manchester United are top of the table after the first round of matches, but ten Hag is under no illusions that there is still plenty of work to be done if they are to stay there. He said: “It’s only one game and there’s still a long way to go. We need to keep working hard and improving if we want to stay at the top of the table.”
Manchester United will now turn their attention to their next match against Chelsea on Saturday, where they will be looking to build on their winning start to the season.
## Conclusion
Manchester United were lucky to avoid conceding a penalty in their season opener against Wolves, but manager Erik ten Hag knows that his side must improve if they are to challenge for the title this season. The win was secured thanks to a late goal from defender Raphael Varane, and Manchester United will now turn their attention to their next match against Chelsea on Saturday.