Manchester United’s struggles continued as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking their fourth loss in their last five Premier League matches. The game saw United captain Bruno Fernandes sent off after receiving a second yellow card just two minutes into the second half. His dismissal compounded United’s woes on a foggy Boxing Day afternoon at Molineux.
Wolves capitalized on United’s reduced numbers, with Matheus Cunha scoring directly from a corner. The goal, which was a rare misjudgment from United goalkeeper Andre Onana, summed up the dire state of the team. Despite eight added minutes of tension, Wolves held firm, and Hwang Hee-chan sealed the victory in the dying seconds with a counter-attacking goal, ensuring a jubilant first home win for Wolves’ new manager, Vitor Pereira, who had started his tenure with an away victory over Leicester City.
The win lifted Wolves out of the Premier League’s relegation zone to 17th place with 15 points, while Manchester United remained in 14th place with 22 points. Cunha, who was the standout player of the match, scored a peculiar opener and later provided the assist for Hwang’s clinching goal.
For United’s manager Ruben Amorim, this result highlighted the immense task he faces after taking over from Erik ten Hag. Amorim now holds the unwanted record for the fewest games needed by a Manchester United manager to lose four Premier League matches, with his seven losses coming in fewer games than Ten Hag’s 13.
In stark contrast, Pereira became the first manager in Wolves’ history to win his opening two Premier League m
atches.