Manchester United supporters get what they want from Erik ten Hag and Alejandro Garnacho

 Twice the Manchester United supporters implored Erik ten Hag to introduce Alejandro Garnacho. Just when it seemed he was intent on ignoring them, Garnacho bolted out of the dugout. Soon he was bolting towards the supporters who sang his name so ardently.

"Running down the wing, hear United sing," the Stretford Enders chanted. Garnacho ran down the middle to secure victory on his first appearance since sustaining an ankle injury at the same end eight weeks ago. Ten Hag embraced Garnacho on the pitch at full-time.

Ten Hag had summoned Harry Maguire and Fred with 10 minutes remaining, a risk-versive strategy when supporters pined for the risk-taker Garnacho. The United fans were appeased and soon pleased. Garnacho's name received the loudest cheer all day.

This was not the reassuring win United supporters had have hoped for though this is not the season for the return of vintage United. They are at least two wins shy of a return to the Champions League. 

Two-nil is a favoured scoreline of Ten Hag's United and this was the ninth. Six more points from their final three fixtures and the Champions League anthem will return to Old Trafford's speakers and Thursday nights next season can be spent on the sofa.

Wolves, 13th in the Premier League table, mathematically safe from relegation and with two away wins all season, still posed a unique test. When it was announced there would be six added minutes, the United supporters groaned. There were panicky clearances from David de Gea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Garnacho had panicked with one pass overhit for Bruno Fernandes but not with his shot.

As beneficial as a first free midweek since September had supposedly been, United were largely lifeless on the hottest day at Old Trafford since the opening weekend. They were more creative in the first half at West Ham though the glaring difference this week was the 1-0 interval scoreline was in their favour.

United supporters first demanded Garnacho's entrance as the hour mark loomed. Instead, the 30-year-old Wout Weghorst removed his tracksuit top.

Jadon Sancho's doziness prompted a louder rendition of Garnacho's chant. Sancho, sensing he was on borrowed time, responded and drew a laudable stop from Dan Bentley. It should not have taken Sancho 72 minutes to contribute so noticeably.