Manchester United’s dismal domestic campaign took another hit on Sunday as Wolverhampton Wanderers snatched a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of Pablo Sarabia’s late free kick. The defeat marked Manchester United’s 15th Premier League loss of the season, their worst record since the 1989-90 campaign. Sarabia, coming off the bench, delivered a superb set-piece that left goalkeeper Andre Onana stranded and sent the travelling Wolves fans into jubilation.
Coming off the emotional high of a 5-4 Europa League thriller against Olympique Lyonnais, Manchester United’s sluggish performance was a far cry from the energy displayed in Europe. Their first half was especially uninspiring, registering only one shot on target, and failing to create any sustained pressure against a disciplined Wolves side.
Missed Opportunities and Familiar Frustrations
Despite some improvement in the second half, Manchester United’s attack continued to misfire. Mason Mount, handed a rare start, squandered two golden chances that could have salvaged a point for the hosts. Skipper Bruno Fernandes, introduced by manager Ruben Amorim to inject some urgency, also wasted a promising opportunity inside the box.
Wolves, who were aiming for a historic fifth consecutive Premier League win, kept their defensive shape impeccably. Although they struggled to generate clear chances themselves, they seized the only real opportunity presented to them. With Sarabia’s clinical strike, Wolves completed a league double over United for the first time since the 1979-80 season—an achievement that, given Manchester United’s frailty, no longer carries the shock it once did.
Fan Protests Add to the Tension
While Manchester United’s players lacked spark on the pitch, the stands were alive with frustration before kick-off. Supporters unfurled large banners protesting against new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, voicing anger over plans to relocate some season-ticket holders to accommodate new VIP hospitality areas next season. The unrest in the stands mirrored the dissatisfaction with performances on the field.
The tense atmosphere seemed to sap what little energy the team had, as they delivered another listless first-half display. Christian Eriksen’s free kick, saved smartly by Wolves’ backup goalkeeper Dan Bentley, was Manchester United’s only meaningful effort in a half otherwise dominated by cautious, aimless play from both sides.
Wolves’ Resurgence Under Vitor Pereira
For Wolves, the transformation under manager Vitor Pereira continues to bear fruit. Although their performance was far from vintage, the belief and unity instilled by Pereira were evident. His players defended doggedly, waited for their chance, and took it with ruthless efficiency.
Pereira’s decision to bring Sarabia off the bench paid off spectacularly. After the match, Sarabia emphasized the positive environment under the new boss: “With Vitor, something changed. The most important thing is that the players are very happy on the pitch and because of this it is possible to do the best on the pitch.” Wolves, now level on points with United, have their sights set on a strong finish to a season that once threatened to fizzle out.
Manchester United’s Season Spirals Toward Disaster
Fifteen league defeats—a number almost unthinkable in the Sir Alex Ferguson era—highlight the scale of United’s current malaise. Ruben Amorim admitted after the game, “These days are really disappointing. We were better than the opponents but if you don’t score goals, you don’t win games.” His words rang hollow as Manchester United’s predictable patterns of possession without penetration continued.
Sitting in 14th place with just a handful of matches left, Manchester United are facing the possibility of missing out on European competition entirely. With fan unrest growing, performances dipping, and no signs of tactical cohesion, Manchester United’s once-glorious reputation in the Premier League is crumbling further with each passing week.
