Manchester United's post-Christmas momentum stalled at Old Trafford as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by a resilient Wolverhampton Wanderers side. The result leaves Ruben Amorim's team in the Premier League's top six heading into the New Year, but the performance offered little cause for celebration for the home supporters.
A Stuttering Performance from the Hosts
If United's Boxing Day victory over Newcastle had been underwhelming, this encounter felt like the disappointing leftovers. Despite taking a first-half lead through Joshua Zirkzee's 27th-minute goal, United lacked creativity and fluency, heavily impacted by the absence of eight senior players including captain Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Mason Mount.
The strain on the squad was evident, with six academy products named on the substitutes' bench. Amorim, who had switched to a back-four against Newcastle, reverted to a back-three, with Patrick Dorgu moving to left wing-back. The only change from the previous game saw Zirkzee return to the starting line-up.
Wolves' Spirited Fightback
For Wolves, the point ended an 11-match losing streak in the Premier League, providing a glimmer of hope in a desperate fight for survival. Rob Edwards' team arrived with only three points from their opening 19 games, a record that statistically placed them below even the Premier League's historically worst teams at this stage of a season.
They grew into the game after a bright United start, which saw Benjamin Sesko fire just wide. The opening goal had a large slice of fortune. Defender Ayden Heaven, impressive again after a man-of-the-match display against Newcastle, made a crucial interception and drove forward. His pass found Zirkzee, whose effort took a decisive deflection off Ladislav Krejci to wrong-foot goalkeeper Jose Sa.
United almost doubled their lead when Sesko headed against the post, but Wolves deservedly equalised on the stroke of half-time. From a Hugo Bueno corner, Zirkzee's defensive header fell to Krejci at the back post, who guided his header past Senne Lammens to make it 1-1.
A Stalemate with Little Spark
The second half failed to produce a winner, though both sides came close. United's substitute goalkeeper Lammens made a vital stop from Krejci, while at the other end, Wolves' Yerson Mosquera almost headed into his own net, only for Sa to recover spectacularly and claw the ball off the line.
Amorim handed a debut to youngster Bendito Mantato off the bench, and United thought they had snatched a late winner when Dorgu tapped home in the 90th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside against Sesko.
The final whistle confirmed a share of the points, a result that felt like a missed opportunity for United but a valuable step for Wolves. Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure as he headed down the tunnel, his side's performance raising more questions than answers as the season reaches its midway point.
