In a dramatic Boxing Day encounter at Molineux, Wolverhampton Wanderers delivered a decisive 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, compounding the Red Devils’ dismal Premier League campaign. The victory, under the guidance of new manager Vitor Pereira, marked Wolves’ second win in as many games, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
United’s Slump Deepens
For Manchester United, the loss underscored their ongoing struggles, as they languish in 14th place with only two wins in seven league games under manager Ruben Amorim. Optimism from Amorim’s early days in charge has faded rapidly, with United appearing lackluster in attack and vulnerable defensively. The team’s shortcomings were brutally exposed by a clinical Wolves side.
Fernandes Sees Red Again
The turning point came early in the second half when United captain Bruno Fernandes received his marching orders after a reckless challenge on Nelson Semedo. This marked Fernandes’ third red card of the season and left United with an uphill battle. The dismissal not only highlighted Fernandes’ lack of discipline but also left United toothless in their search for a comeback.
Cunha’s Moment of Brilliance
Wolves capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Matheus Cunha’s brilliant corner delivery sneaking past a crowded United defense to open the scoring. United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s protests for a foul fell on deaf ears, as the goal epitomized United’s ongoing struggles with set-piece defense—a glaring weakness throughout the season.
Late Blow from Hwang
As United pressed for an equalizer, their efforts were in vain. Wolves’ resilience held firm, and in the dying moments, Hwang Hee-chan doubled the lead. A quick counterattack left Hwang and Cunha with only Onana to beat, sealing the result with the final kick of the game.
Wolves’ Revival Under Pereira
The victory signaled a new dawn for Wolves under Pereira, who has reinvigorated a side that struggled earlier in the season. With Cunha leading the charge and the team showing newfound determination, Wolves have injected hope into their survival campaign.
Amorim’s Growing Challenges
For United, however, the defeat raises serious questions about their trajectory under Amorim. Despite making tactical adjustments following a humbling loss to Bournemouth, the changes yielded little improvement. The Portuguese manager now faces mounting pressure to revive the fortunes of a club that continues to fall short of expectations.
As Wolves celebrate a crucial win, Manchester United must confront the reality of their predicament—a season in freefall, with no immediate solutions in sight.
