In 2025, the year’s series of disappointments concluded on a familiar note. Just as Manchester United appeared to have made progress, they instead took a significant step backward. Facing what might be statistically the poorest team in Premier League history, United struggled for large parts of the match. The last sound heard at Old Trafford this year was the jubilant chants of Wolves fans celebrating their solitary point: “We’ve got a point.” While it was only their third of the season, and came after a dismal 11-match losing streak, they may leave with regrets about not achieving their first win of a challenging campaign.
For United, with just one win in their last five home matches, it was both the outcome and the performance that were concerning. “We struggled throughout the match,” said manager Ruben Amorim. “Offensively, we lacked fluidity. There was no cohesiveness, quality, or chance creation.”
Even United’s solitary goal came via a significant deflection. Their closest opportunity for a legitimate winner came when Yerson Mosquera almost scored an own goal. Once again, their game plan fell short.
Amorim typically deployed a 3-4-3 formation, reverting to his preferred setup following a victory against Newcastle. There were moments when United couldn’t regain possession from Wolves, prompting him to switch to a 3-5-2 formation at halftime, bringing in Jack Fletcher after Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were outmaneuvered.
Ruben Amorim faces plenty of questions at Man United (Manchester United via Getty Imag)
“We struggled against their midfielders,” Amorim noted. United’s midfield lacked creativity, especially in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, and they lacked energy and pressing on the field. Despite performing well defensively against Newcastle, they failed to capitalize on their favored status with the ball. United ultimately faltered.
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Wolves outperformed United in terms of expected goals (xG), touches in the United penalty area, and total distance covered. Their setup proved more effective. United’s starting lineup was valued at £430 million, yet they delivered a woeful performance. When a victory was crucial, and the Stretford End urged the team to “attack,” Amorim opted for another defensive substitution. There were boos when Ayden Heaven was taken off.
Prior to that, Wolves had picked up on the tension in the United crowd. “We discussed that at halftime,” said Rob Edwards. Amid United’s shortcomings, there was much to appreciate in Edwards securing his first point as Wolves manager. “It feels good to take something away,” he remarked. “We deserved at least that. It’s a step forward.” Wolves had come close to securing draws against both Arsenal and Liverpool but finally got their reward this time.
United had no justifications for their performance, even with Mason Mount adding to the list of absentees. Wolves faced injury and suspension issues too, as well as players leaving for the African Cup of Nations, forcing a late lineup adjustment when Santiago Bueno was ruled out shortly before kickoff. Nevertheless, Mount was substituted for United’s only scorer.
Joshua Zirkzee contributed to two goals, although asking him to score both might have been too much. His performance was indicative of his struggles; despite netting a goal, he was taken off at halftime.
Joshua Zirkzee celebrated scoring his first home league goal for more than a year (AP)
But Man United still ended the day disappointed (AP)
Zirkzee’s goal was his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford in over a year, so it was no wonder he celebrated when his seemingly harmless shot found its way into the net.
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It is safe to say that it won’t be winning any goal of the season awards. Zirkzee, having initially lost the ball, regained it and saw his shot take such a generous deflection off Ladislav Krejci that the goalkeeper, Jose Sa, dived the wrong way. However, Zirkzee, who was seventh in the pecking order for a spot in United’s front three, inadvertently assisted Wolves’ equalizer before his substitution.
United’s inability to keep consecutive clean sheets under Amorim was demonstrated clearly when Wolves equalized. As Amorim noted, despite having a tall squad, they still conceded from a set-piece. Krejci headed in after Zirkzee had flicked Hugo Bueno’s corner his way, marking a moment of redemption for the Wolves defender.
Another opportunity nearly restored United’s advantage. A brilliant save from Sa was required, but it came courtesy of his own teammate, Mosquera, who almost turned it into an own goal. Edwards later commented, “I just told him he was mad.”
Wolves had nearly achieved a winner, with Senne Lammens producing outstanding saves, denying Krejci’s follow-up and preventing Mosquera from converting the rebound. He also thwarted Bueno earlier in the match and later denied Jhon Arias a potential winner. United had reason to be thankful for the Belgian’s contributions.
Senne Lammens made some crucial saves in the United goal (REUTERS)
At the other end, United’s attacking efforts were sporadic. Benjamin Sesko at least managed a few attempts, including a header that hit the post from Luke Shaw’s corner, though he should have done better. His dry spell has now extended to eight games.
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Patrick Dorgu had two chances to score his second goal in consecutive games; he first saw a shot narrowly miss its target and then converted a rebound after Sesko’s late shot was parried, only to be flagged offside. It could have been a cruel outcome for Wolves, but they were content to celebrate what was their best result of the season.
The league standings remain grim, with Edwards reflecting, “We are better than just three points, yet that’s our reality.” United, for their part, failed to prove they were good enough to secure victory against even this struggling side.