Manchester United’s turbulent Premier League season hit a new low on Sunday as they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The loss marked their 15th in the current campaign — their worst record in over three decades — and piled further pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who is still finding his footing since taking over at Old Trafford.
The game’s only goal came in the 68th minute when Pablo Sarabia, who had been on the pitch for less than three minutes, curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner, leaving André Onana rooted to the spot. The Spaniard’s strike not only secured a famous victory for Wolves but also extended their winning streak in the Premier League to five matches — a feat they had not achieved since 1970.
Despite the narrow margin, it was a well-deserved win for Gary O’Neil’s side, who executed their game plan with discipline, resilience, and clinical efficiency. The result also underlines the remarkable turnaround under O’Neil, who took charge amid doubts but has now guided Wolves to the brink of European qualification.
United, in contrast, showed flashes of quality but lacked cutting edge and composure in the final third. They enjoyed nearly 60% possession in the first half and created several half-chances, the best of which saw Emmanuel Agbadou block Alejandro Garnacho’s goal-bound effort after a clever build-up play.
Rasmus Højlund was a lively presence up front in the second half, demonstrating his strength and hold-up play, but he was denied by a perfectly timed sliding challenge inside the box. A nervy moment for Wolves followed when Nelson Semedo’s over-hit back-pass nearly ended up as an own goal, only to roll wide of Bentley’s post.
Looking for inspiration, Amorim made a triple substitution just past the hour mark, introducing Mason Mount, Diogo Dalot, and Bruno Fernandes. The changes sparked more urgency in United’s attack, with Garnacho delivering a low cross that narrowly missed Højlund, who slid in late at the far post.
Mount, still seeking form after a stop-start season, had two golden opportunities to equalize. First, he fired well over from the edge of the box, and moments later, he failed to convert an inviting cross from Christian Eriksen, who had orchestrated much of United’s forward movement in the second half.
Despite the late push, Wolves held firm. Craig Dawson and Max Kilman were rock-solid in defense, while Bentley made crucial stops when called upon. João Gomes and Mario Lemina dominated the midfield battle, stifling United’s rhythm and frustrating Fernandes’ attempts to dictate play.
The final whistle was met with boos from sections of the Old Trafford crowd, who have grown increasingly impatient with the team’s domestic form. While United remain in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals — and have a shot at salvaging the season with continental silverware — their league position has slipped, and they now risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season.
For Wolves, the victory was more than just three points. It was a statement of intent and a confirmation of their evolution into one of the most efficient and fearless counter-attacking sides in the division. With only a handful of games left, their fans can begin to dream of a return to Europe — a reward that seemed unlikely at the start of the season.
As for Manchester United, the inquest continues. With growing doubts over Amorim’s tactical setup and the inconsistency of senior players, questions are mounting not just about this season — but about the direction of the club as a whole.
