Wolverhampton Wanderers delivered a crushing blow to Manchester United’s faltering Premier League campaign, securing a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a sublime 77th-minute free-kick from Pablo Sarabia. The result not only confirmed Wolves’ Premier League survival but also saw them draw level on points with a lackluster United side, who slumped to their eighth home league defeat of the season—a record not seen since the 1962-63 campaign.
Coming off a thrilling 5-4 extra-time Europa League triumph over Lyon just three days prior, United appeared drained and disjointed, with manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to rotate heavily backfiring. The Red Devils, fielding a youthful lineup including 20-year-old debutant Tyler Fredricson, struggled to convert possession into clear chances, managing just two shots on target all game. Wolves, by contrast, were disciplined and clinical, capitalizing on their moment of brilliance to claim a historic win. The match began with United asserting early control, their youthful energy evident as Fredricson and left-back Harry Amass impressed with composure beyond their years. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were lively, while Rasmus Højlund squandered a golden opportunity in the 25th minute, firing straight at Wolves’ stand-in goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who replaced the injured Jose Sa after a warm-up mishap.
Wolves, buoyed by their five-match unbeaten run, started brightly, with Matheus Cunha and Jeremy Dorgu combining well down the left. However, United’s stubborn defensive structure, anchored by Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen, limited Wolves to just one shot in the first half, resulting in a combined expected goals (xG) of a paltry 0.11 at the break. Social media buzzed with praise for United’s dominance, with one fan on X noting that Fredricson and Garnacho were standout performers, though frustration grew over Højlund’s lack of clinical finishing. The second half saw Wolves grow in confidence, with Cunha’s return to the starting XI proving pivotal. The Brazilian, back after a six-week injury layoff, was a constant menace, though he failed to test André Onana directly. United continued to press, with Patrick Dorgu and Eriksen whipping dangerous balls into the box, but the absence of key starters like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire left them toothless in attack.
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 77th minute. After Mason Mount’s foul on Cunha just outside the box, Pablo Sarabia stepped up and curled a stunning free-kick over the United wall and past a poorly positioned Onana, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling Wolves fans. The goal was a dagger to United’s hopes, and despite late substitutions—including Fernandes and Chido Obi—the hosts couldn’t muster a response. The defeat marked United’s 15th league loss of the season, a low not seen since 1989-90, with fans on X expressing dismay, one lamenting Amorim’s tactics and the team’s dwindling prospects. Old Trafford, once a fortress, has become a graveyard for United’s ambitions.