Manchester United’s miserable season sunk to new depths on Boxing Day as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers, their third consecutive Premier League loss. The Red Devils started the day in 13th place, their lowest Christmas position since 1986-87, and ended it down in 14th after Wolves leapfrogged them with a crucial victory.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was the villain as his moment of petulance early in the second half reduced the visitors to ten men and gave Wolves all the impetus they needed. After picking up a first half booking, the Portuguese midfielder rashly lunged in on Nélson Semedo just 90 seconds after the restart to earn his marching orders.
Cunha Olimpico Sparks Wolves Festivities
Brazilian winger Matheus Cunha, a livewire throughout, took advantage of Fernandes’ dismissal to give Wolves the lead in spectacular fashion on 58 minutes. His inswinging corner evaded everyone, including United keeper André Onana, before nestling in the far corner for an “Olimpico” goal straight from the set piece.
Wolves, rejuvenated under new manager Vitor Pereira, pressed home their numerical advantage and added gloss to the scoreline deep into stoppage time. Cunha was again the architect, racing clear on the counter before unselfishly squaring for substitute Hwang Hee-Chan to tap into an empty net.
Amorim Under Mounting Pressure
For United boss Ruben Amorim, it was another chastening afternoon as the knives sharpen just months into his Old Trafford reign. The 39-year-old can point to a bright start as his side dominated the early exchanges, but their lack of cutting edge was again exposed as they drew a blank for the third league game running.
We started well but then we lost our way. The red card changed everything and it’s very disappointing. We need to be much better.
– Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager
Amorim made just two changes to the side beaten at home by Bournemouth last time out as he edges closer to settling on his preferred starting XI. But with the January transfer window about to open, reinforcements can’t come soon enough for a squad bereft of confidence and quality in key areas.
Toothless United Lack Attacking Thrust
Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, a big money summer signing from Atalanta, toiled thanklessly up front as service was scarce. The few times United did threaten, the final ball was woefully lacking, encapsulated by a wild Diogo Dalot effort from distance that sailed into the stands.
With Cristiano Ronaldo now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia and Anthony Martial perpetually injured, United’s need for added firepower is glaring. PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, long admired from afar, could be the man to reignite their tepid attack if Amorim can convince the Glazers to open the purse strings.
Wolves Revival Gathers Pace
In stark contrast, Wolves will head into 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism after back-to-back wins eased their relegation worries. Julen Lopetegui’s harsh sacking in November threatened to undo the Spaniard’s good work, but new man Pereira has quickly steadied the ship.
With Cunha and Pablo Sarabia dovetailing nicely behind powerhouse striker Gonçalo Guedes, Wolves suddenly have an attacking trio that could propel them towards European contention. At the other end, Pereira has tightened up a leaky defense, with two clean sheets in two games lifting them five points clear of the drop zone.
Top 4 Aspirations Fading Fast for United
For United, yet another campaign filled with pre-season promise is deteriorating alarmingly. Last year’s third place finish papered over gaping cracks that new arrivals Amorim, Hojlund and Onana have failed to fill. Now 13 points adrift of the Champions League spots, their trophy drought shows no signs of ending.
With fan discontent growing and tough tests against Newcastle and Manchester City to come, Amorim faces a defining period to save United’s season and perhaps his job. The expected arrival of a new forward will raise hopes, but on current evidence, a transformative transfer window is required to stop the rot.
- Man United stuck in spiral of mediocrity
- Fernandes madness typifies United’s plight
- Wolves buoyed by swift Pereira impact
I’m very happy with the fighting spirit and attitude. It’s a big win but we have to keep our feet on the ground. There’s still a long way to go.
– Vitor Pereira, Wolves manager
Fernandes will now serve a suspension as Man United’s miserable season threatens to implode. Successive defeats to Cadiz, Real Sociedad and Bournemouth had already shattered any feel-good factor, with this latest loss to Wolves confirming the enormity of the task facing Amorim.
Unless the United hierarchy backs the Portuguese coach strongly in January, a 7th season without silverware looks inevitable. With the gap to the Champions League places widening, lucrative European revenue is also at risk, further compromising their spending power.
For upwardly mobile Wolves, this convincing victory marks another staging post on their renaissance under astute operator Pereira. If Cunha and co. continue to shine, the Molineux faithful may dare to dream of a European tour as the likes of United peer enviously over their shoulders.
With Cristiano Ronaldo now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia and Anthony Martial perpetually injured, United’s need for added firepower is glaring. PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, long admired from afar, could be the man to reignite their tepid attack if Amorim can convince the Glazers to open the purse strings.
Wolves Revival Gathers Pace
In stark contrast, Wolves will head into 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism after back-to-back wins eased their relegation worries. Julen Lopetegui’s harsh sacking in November threatened to undo the Spaniard’s good work, but new man Pereira has quickly steadied the ship.
With Cunha and Pablo Sarabia dovetailing nicely behind powerhouse striker Gonçalo Guedes, Wolves suddenly have an attacking trio that could propel them towards European contention. At the other end, Pereira has tightened up a leaky defense, with two clean sheets in two games lifting them five points clear of the drop zone.
Top 4 Aspirations Fading Fast for United
For United, yet another campaign filled with pre-season promise is deteriorating alarmingly. Last year’s third place finish papered over gaping cracks that new arrivals Amorim, Hojlund and Onana have failed to fill. Now 13 points adrift of the Champions League spots, their trophy drought shows no signs of ending.
With fan discontent growing and tough tests against Newcastle and Manchester City to come, Amorim faces a defining period to save United’s season and perhaps his job. The expected arrival of a new forward will raise hopes, but on current evidence, a transformative transfer window is required to stop the rot.
- Man United stuck in spiral of mediocrity
- Fernandes madness typifies United’s plight
- Wolves buoyed by swift Pereira impact
I’m very happy with the fighting spirit and attitude. It’s a big win but we have to keep our feet on the ground. There’s still a long way to go.
– Vitor Pereira, Wolves manager
Fernandes will now serve a suspension as Man United’s miserable season threatens to implode. Successive defeats to Cadiz, Real Sociedad and Bournemouth had already shattered any feel-good factor, with this latest loss to Wolves confirming the enormity of the task facing Amorim.
Unless the United hierarchy backs the Portuguese coach strongly in January, a 7th season without silverware looks inevitable. With the gap to the Champions League places widening, lucrative European revenue is also at risk, further compromising their spending power.
For upwardly mobile Wolves, this convincing victory marks another staging post on their renaissance under astute operator Pereira. If Cunha and co. continue to shine, the Molineux faithful may dare to dream of a European tour as the likes of United peer enviously over their shoulders.
