Despite slumping to successive league defeats, Erik ten Hag had the rare luxury of an empty week to prepare for his side’s clash against Wolves, and this was evident during the early stages, as United made a bright start, with plenty of possession inside the visitors’ half.
For all their neat build-up play, however, clear-cut chances came at a premium for the hosts, with Daniel Bentley - making the first PL appearance of his career - saving well from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick.
United continued to probe for a breakthrough as the first half progressed, and their patience was duly rewarded in the 32nd minute, when Antony, having missed a golden opportunity just minutes before - unselfishly squared to Anthony Martial, who tapped home from eight yards out.
Buoyed by the opener, the Red Devils looked to press home their advantage before HT, however Bentley stood firm to thwart Raphaël Varane, as Wolves kept the deficit to just a single goal going into the interval.
The hosts - unbeaten in their last 133 PL matches when leading at HT - emerged after the restart eager to build on their lead, although the absence of 29-goal Marcus Rashford was plain for all to see, with a distinct lack of cutting edge in the final third.
This continued into the final 20 minutes, as Jadon Sancho was a low effort superbly tipped around the post by Bentley, setting up a nervy finale for the Champions League-chasing hosts.
Having recorded just one win at Old Trafford since 1980 (D3, L10), a late fightback from Wolves always seemed unlikely, and it was the hosts who added a second deep into stoppage time through substitute Alejandro Garnacho, to wrap up a hard-fought victory and move four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.
As for Wolves, Julen Lopetegui’s side remain 13th, with their top-flight status safely secured for another campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Daniel Bentley (Wolverhampton Wanderers)