Man United shortcomings exposed as Wolves secure hard fought draw | OneFootball

Man United held as Wolves end long wait for points

Wolves brought an end to their 11 match Premier League losing run with a hard earned 1-1 draw against Man United at Old Trafford, a result that earned Rob Edwards his first point in charge and drew boos from the home crowd at full time.

Man United, missing eight senior players through injury and international duty, edged in front midway through the first half when Joshua Zirkzee’s effort deflected past Jose Sa in the 27th minute. It proved to be a fleeting advantage on a night where structure and control again proved elusive for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Wolves grew in confidence as the half progressed and their pressure told before the interval. After Senne Lammens denied Hugo Bueno, Ladislav Krejci was afforded too much space at the far post and headed home from eight yards to restore parity.

Wolves resilience rewarded at Old Trafford

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half. Lammens was required to keep Man United level, first parrying Krejci’s low effort and then reacting quickly as Yerson Mosquera threatened on the rebound.

There was a moment of anxiety at the other end when Mosquera glanced a header towards his own goal, only for Sa to scramble back and prevent a costly own goal. Sa was also involved in a rare officiating moment when referee Thomas Bramall penalised him for holding the ball longer than eight seconds, just the third time the rule has been enforced this season, though Man United failed to capitalise from the resulting corner.

Wolves nearly found a late winner when Jhon Arias fired narrowly wide following a deflection. Man United thought they had snatched victory in the final minute, but Patrick Dorgu’s finish was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.

Man United shortcomings laid bare again

For Man United, the draw summed up a frustrating campaign. With Mason Mount joining Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on the absentee list, creativity was scarce. Amorim later reflected on the display, saying, “Man Utd lacked imagination in ‘strange’ game”.

Ball progression was slow, attacking runs were ignored and the side struggled to build sustained pressure. Zirkzee’s goal owed much to the driving run of Ayden Heaven, who carried the ball from halfway before feeding the forward. Zirkzee was substituted at half time, replaced by 18 year old Jack Fletcher, underlining the lack of impact up front.

The result ensured Man United ended the year in sixth place, missing the chance to move into an unlikely fourth.

Survival concerns persist for Wolves

While the point does little to ease Wolves’ relegation fears, leaving them 15 points from safety, it represented overdue reward for travelling supporters who have remained vocal throughout a difficult season. Edwards acknowledged their backing, saying, “A point the least Wolves deserved”.

With upheaval continuing off the pitch and major decisions looming for owners Fosun, the immediate task is maintaining the organisation Edwards has instilled. For now, Wolves have a platform, and a point, to build upon.