Manchester United’s resurgence in Europe was short-lived, as they fell to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday. Just days after their stunning 5-4 comeback win over Lyon in the Europa League, Ruben Amorim's side returned to their domestic struggles, once again haunted by poor finishing and missed opportunities.
The only goal came in the 77th minute, when substitute Pablo Sarabia curled in a brilliant free kick—Wolves’ first shot on target—to hand his side their fifth consecutive top-flight victory. It also completed a league double over United for the first time since the 1979-80 season. Despite dominating large periods of the match and posting an xG of 1.1, United failed to truly trouble Wolves' stand-in goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who replaced Jose Sa after a late injury in the warm-up.
“We need to score goals,” Amorim admitted post-match. “We created enough chances but didn’t convert—that’s our biggest problem.” The defeat marked United’s 15th league loss of the season, a new club record in the Premier League era, leaving them 14th in the table and only two points above the relegation zone.
Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal continued. The Danish striker managed just one shot in 70 minutes and has now gone six games without scoring, with only one goal in his last 28 appearances. “It’s not just Rasmus,” Amorim said. “It’s a team issue. We all miss chances. But for a striker, confidence is key. Maybe all he needs is one goal.”
The match also saw debuts for 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson and a first Old Trafford start for Harry Amass, but the young talents were unable to influence the result. “They played well,” Amorim said. “We need to score so the kids can have better memories of these games.”
Frustrations were evident both on and off the pitch. Fans protested in front of the directors’ box with banners reading “Tourists over fans” and questioned co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was absent from the stadium.
The game was slow to come alive, with the first shot not arriving until the 22nd minute. United’s lack of threat in the box was underlined by failing to register a single first-half shot from inside Wolves’ area—only the ninth time that has happened since 2003-04.
Despite second-half substitutions including Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount, United could not find a breakthrough. Garnacho’s dangerous cross narrowly missed Hojlund, and Fernandes and Mount both missed chances late on.
Looking ahead, United must quickly refocus for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao. While the league campaign looks beyond repair, Amorim has pinned hopes on European success. “The season is not over,” he stressed. “We have to focus on what’s next—step by step.”
For now, the Red Devils are stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance undermined by their persistent inability to finish chances. Unless that changes, their only salvation may indeed be a Europa League triumph.
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