The misty atmosphere at Molineux set the stage for a historic night as Wolves Wanderers secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester United, marking new manager Vitor Pereira’s successful home debut. The Portuguese tactician has now achieved something remarkable – becoming only the second manager from his country to win his first two Premier League matches in charge, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho.
The victory carries immense significance for Wolves in their battle against relegation, propelling them into 17th position. Under Pereira’s guidance, the team has shown remarkable improvement, displaying both tactical discipline and attacking flair that had been missing earlier in the season. The manager’s impact has been immediate and profound, drawing comparisons to Sammy Chung’s memorable start in 1977.
United’s Crisis Deepens with Fourth Recent Defeat
Manchester United’s troubling form continued as they suffered their fourth Premier League defeat in five matches, raising serious questions about their direction under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager has now set an unwanted record, becoming the first United manager since Walter Crickmer in 1932 to lose five of his first ten matches in charge across all competitions.
The Red Devils’ defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed, particularly from set-pieces. The team has now conceded nine goals from corners this season, joint-highest in the Premier League alongside their opponents Wolves. This recurring issue highlights deeper structural problems within the squad that Amorim must address urgently.
Cunha’s Corner Kick Magic and Bruno’s Red Card Drama
The defining moment of the match came through an extraordinary goal from Matheus Cunha, who scored directly from a corner kick – only the second such goal Manchester United have conceded in Premier League history since Junior Stanislas’s effort for Bournemouth in 2015. Cunha’s remarkable form continues as he extends his scoring streak to three consecutive Premier League matches, approaching Henri Camara’s club record of five straight games.
The situation worsened for United when Bruno Fernandes received a red card early in the second half, leaving his team to battle with ten men. This dismissal proved crucial as it allowed Wolves to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, eventually leading to their second goal through Hwang Hee-chan in stoppage time.
Tactical Masterclass and Future Implications
The victory showcased Pereira’s tactical acumen as he outmaneuvered his countryman Amorim. Wolves’ organized defense and efficient counter-attacking strategy proved too much for a United side that looked bereft of ideas, especially after going down to ten men.
The result carries significant implications for both clubs. For Wolves, it represents a potential turning point in their season, with Pereira’s appointment looking increasingly inspired. For Manchester United, this defeat adds to mounting pressure on Amorim, whose start at Old Trafford has been historically poor. The coming weeks will be crucial for both managers as they navigate their respective challenges in the Premier League.
Squad Management Raises Further Questions
Amorim’s decisions regarding team selection have come under increasing scrutiny, particularly the continued absence of Marcus Rashford, who missed his fourth consecutive match. The introduction of youngster Leny Yoro to the starting lineup, only to be substituted after receiving an early booking, highlighted the tactical challenges facing the team.
The triple substitution introducing Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Antony, followed by the later additions of Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee, failed to inject any meaningful creativity into United’s play. With the team now sitting in 14th place, eight points above the relegation zone and eleven points adrift of the top four, serious questions are being raised about the direction of the club under both its management and ownership.
