A poor Manchester United side was punished by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Old Trafford, as the latter walked away with a 1-0 win. Ralf Rangnick suffered his first loss as the Red Devils boss and now finds his team in seventh – 22 behind leaders City.
Injuries and illness meant that Phil Jones started a game for the Red Devils after 712 days, as he partnered Raphael Varane in the centre of defence. The United defensive pairing had much to worry about in the first half as it dealt with wave after wave of Wolves attack.
Daniel Podence had an early shot from the left parried away by David De Gea, who, moments later, made another superb stop to tip over Ruben Neves’ dipping volley from range. All in all, Wolves attempted 14 shots at the United goal in the first forty-five, with De Gea making four good saves.
The complexion of the game took a turn in favor of United with the introduction of Bruno Fernandes at the hour mark. The Portuguese international rattled the crossbar from close range within minutes of his introduction.
Moments later, his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside, while later still, Ronaldo dragged a shot wide from the left after being released by Fernandes.
Just when Manchester United looked to be in control of the game, the pendulum swung again. Romain Saiss hit the crossbar with a free-kick from close range, reminding the Red Devils of Wolves’ persistent threat.
That threat turned into a tangible product in the 82nd minute when Adama Traore’s cross from the right was headed away by Jones, albeit only as far as Joao Moutinho on the edge of the box, and the midfielder thumped it back in for the opening – and the only – goal of the game.
Wolves held onto the maximum points, thanks, in part, to their goalkeeper Jose Sa, who made a super stop to prevent Fernandes from scoring from a free-kick in the 96th minute. Wolves are now up to eighth, three points behind United.
