Raphael Varane scored the winner 14 minutes from time as Manchester United gained a fortunate opening-weekend win against Wolves at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.

The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.

It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week’s change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O’Neil’s first game in charge.

Matheus Cunha should have put them in front when Pablo Sarabia’s low cross found him unmarked just beyond the far post but despite steadying himself, the Brazilian hit the outside of a post.

Cunha fizzed a low shot wide just before the break and Pedro Neto fired straight at Andre Onana before Varane’s decisive effort.

Fabio Silva then had two goal-bound efforts saved by Onana, who was perhaps fortunate to avoid punishment for charging into Sasa Kalajdzic as he came for a cross without making contact with the ball.

O’Neil was booked for his protests as he claimed for a penalty as United clung on for a fortunate victory.