Player Ratings: Wolves Stun Old Trafford as United Record 15th Defeat of the Season | OneFootball

Manchester United Fall Again in Premier League as Wolves Capitalise

There are few places in English football where silence rings louder than Old Trafford. On Sunday afternoon, it was the late thud of Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick striking the back of the net that shattered whatever defiance remained. Manchester United, once a fortress, now a soft touch, succumbed to their 15th defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

For Wolves, it was a statement — perhaps not of brilliance, but of resilience and intent. For United, it was another disjointed display under Ruben Amorim, who had made it clear beforehand that his priorities lay elsewhere.

Rotation and Regression

The warning signs were there in the team sheet. Amorim’s decision to rotate heavily — perhaps with one eye on their Europa League journey — ensured rhythm and cohesion were sacrificed.

The first half unfolded with little verve or structure, a game lacking spark and shaped more by tactical indifference than attacking invention. A few glimpses from Harry Amass on the left and Patrick Dorgu on the right offered a pulse, but nothing more.

As the match edged into its final stages, a draw seemed the most fitting conclusion. That was until Sarabia stepped up with 12 minutes left and delivered a moment of undeniable quality.

Photo: IMAGO

Sarabia Seals Wolves’ Revival

Pablo Sarabia’s curling effort gave Andre Onana no chance — a goal that settled an otherwise flat affair.  That goal marked United’s eighth home defeat of the campaign, their worst return in six decades.

For Wolves, it was more than just three points. Starting the day in 17th, they now sit level on points with Manchester United in 14th, a position that would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago.

United’s Fragility Exposed Again

United’s superiority on paper means little in a season of growing fragility. While Tyler Fredricson and Noussair Mazraoui offered some defiance in the back three, too many others drifted. Rasmus Hojlund was isolated and ineffective, while Kobbie Mainoo struggled to find rhythm before being replaced.

The result leaves United vulnerable. That United are now glancing down the table, rather than up, says everything about a season adrift.

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