Wolverhampton 2 – 0 Manchester United
Manchester United’s struggles continue on the field, with new coach Ruben Amorim unable to deliver the desired results.
Once again, United’s defense faltered on an opponent’s set piece. A brilliant direct goal from Matheus Queiróz off a corner left United reeling. Despite hopes for a comeback, United conceded another goal. Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrated a spectacular win.
In Thursday’s Premier League match at an away ground, United, playing with ten men in the second half, lost 2-0. Hwang Hee-chan scored the second goal in the dying moments.
While United dominated possession, their finishing remained poor, with the most successful club in the competition unable to convert chances.
Under Amorim’s coaching, United has lost three of the last four league matches, including a crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Sunday. The team’s poor form keeps worsening.
United tasted their eighth defeat of the season, sitting 14th with 22 points from 18 matches (6 wins, 4 draws). Wolverhampton, with 15 points from the same number of matches, has climbed out of the relegation zone to 17th.
United’s last two matches saw losses, and their lack of rhythm on the field was evident. Despite this, Marcus Rashford was left out of the squad for the fourth consecutive match, even though he had scored a brace in the 4-0 win over Everton earlier in the season.
Against a weak Wolves side, United had a lackluster start. Holding possession, they created their first clear chance in the 20th minute, but Diogo Dalot’s long-range shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Wolves had a good opportunity six minutes later, but their header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper André Onana.
The real blow came after halftime when Bruno Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for fouling Nelson Semedo, resulting in a red card. This is Fernandes’ second red card this season, both in the Premier League.
Playing with ten men, United conceded just 10 minutes later. A corner from Brazilian forward Matheus Queiróz curved dramatically into the net, catching Onana off guard.
This marks United’s 10th goal conceded from set pieces this season, and under Amorim’s coaching, they’ve conceded eight set-piece goals in the last seven matches.
In the final minute of added time, Wolves sealed the victory with a counter-attack. Hwang Hee-chan broke free and scored, defeating United’s goalkeeper with a perfect shot.
While the season has been challenging, Wolves’ Boxing Day performance has been stellar in recent years, winning five out of their last seven Boxing Day league matches and remaining unbeaten.
