Old year, old failings as Utd drop more points
United slumped to yet another desperate result as they failed to overcome rock bottom Wolves at Old Trafford. Like in previous home games they had the lead via Joshua Zirkzee but could not build upon it. European hopes remain in the balance as a consquence.
For the away side, it was only their third point of the season and 11th goal of a terrible campaign. Ladislav Krejci headed home an equaliser just before the break as posed plenty of concern to Utd. They remain bottom, but are hopeful of gaining ground on sides above them.
Ruben Amorim made one change from the side who beat Newcastle on Friday. Joshua Zirkzee came in ahead of Mason Mount who picked up an injury in that game. The latter added to the list of missing personnel due to injuries and AFCON. Chido Obi made his first start in the matchday squad.
Jhon Arias and Jackson Tchatchoua came in for Andre and Santiago Bueno for the visitors who were in dreadful form. Jorgen Strand Larsen is again on the bench and has been linked with a move away from the club.
Given the success they had against Newcastle with the back-four, it was somewhat of a surprise to see Amorim resort to his back-three system. Especially against a side who have been so short in attacking options this season. The opening stages were lacking in terms of excitement and opportunities.
The best chance came after about 15 minutes. Benjamin Sesko carved a chance for himself when he picked up the ball on the touchline and drove past Matt Doherty. The final shot ended up just past the post. Wolves had a chance not long after. Tolu Arokodare swiped at the ball but it fell to Hwang Hee-Chan. His effort went just over.
It was slightly fortunate when United did take the lead on 27 minutes. Ayden Heaven was key to it as he won the ball on the half-way line and drove forward with the ball before laying it off to Joshua Zirkzee. He turned on the edge of the area for a shooting chance. His shot took a deflection off Ladislav Krejci and past the wrong-footed Jose Sa.
If we did have luck with the opener, it was absent with Sesko 10 minutes later. Utd won a corner that was swung towards the back post by Luke Shaw. The Slovenian managed to peel off his marker, but it came back off the woodwork.
This proved to be critical as Wolves equalised just before the break. Both parties involved in the Utd goal were involved yet again. Zirkzee flicked on a header from a corner in his own area and it came to Krejci who looped his header over Senne Lammens and into the net.
Zirkzee was taken off at half-time for Jack Fletcher as the home side sought to freshen up a midfield that had been far too slow and ponderous in possession. It did not improve much unfortunately. Matheus Cunha and Sesko were forced to drop deep in order to try and gain possession as the passing was still much too sluggish in coming up to the frontline.
Indeed Wolves could have found themselve in front with about 25 minutes to go. Doherty headed down a free kick that was met by an effort from Krejci. It was palmed away by Lammens and the Belgian reacted well to get to the rebound before Yerson Mosquera could reach it.
Mosquera was almost responsible for giving united the lead yet again shortly after. Lisandro Martinez swept a free kick forward which was met by the head of the Columbian defender who intended to play it back to his keeper. Sa was out of his goal and had to scramble back to retrieve it off the line at the very last minute. Diogo Dalot was too busy celebrating to follow up on the rebound.
Sa caused some anxiety in his own penalty area when he flapped at a corner three times shortly after but the visitors were able to get it away. There was hearts in mouths at the other end when Jhon Arias received a pass from Jackson Tchatchoua and shot goalwards. It deflected just wide.
Patrick Dorgu thought he had added to his goalscoring week when he tapped home in the final minute after Sesko’s shot was saved from Sa. It was ruled out for being offside though.
There was audible boos from the home fans on the final whistle. The chance of getting back into the top four was ended as they remain in sixth.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven (Leny Yoro 75), Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte (Bendito Mantato 75), Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee (Jack Fletcher 46), Mattheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko.
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Tyrel Malacia, Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson, Tyler Fletcher, Shea Lacey.
Booked: None
Sent off: None
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Jose Sa, Yerson Mosquera, Jackson Tchatchoua, Ladislav Krejci, Matt Doherty, Jhon Arias (David Moller-Wolfe 90+5), Joao Gomes, Hugo Bueno, Mateus Mane, Hwang Hee-chan (Fer Lopez 88), Tolu Arokodare (Jorgen Strand Larsen 64).
Subs not used: Sam Johnstone, Ki-Jana Hoever, Enso Gonzalez, Temple Ojinnaka, Saheed Olagunju, Ethan Sutherland.
Booked: Jackson Tchatchoua (63), Jorgen Strand-Larsen (90+5)
Sent off: None
Referee: Thomas Bramell.
Attendance:
Simply Red Man of the Match: Benjamin Sesko
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