Post Match: Wolves 2-0 Man Utd

Wolves Triumph Over Struggling Manchester United in Boxing Day Clash

Vitor Pereira marked a memorable Boxing Day for Wolverhampton Wanderers as his side secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Molineux. It was the new Wolves manager's second win in as many games, coming just days after his successful debut in the dugout against Leicester City. With this latest triumph, Pereira has already equaled the number of Premier League wins collected by his predecessor, Gary O’Neil, during the entire 2024-25 season.

The victory highlighted Wolves’ newfound spirit under Pereira, with Matheus Cunha once again emerging as the talisman. The Brazilian midfielder delivered a standout performance, scoring directly from a corner and providing a late assist for Hwang Hee-Chan’s goal deep into injury time. For Manchester United, it was another evening to forget, as their recent woes were compounded by Bruno Fernandes' dismissal and an inability to recover from defensive lapses.

A Tactical Battle in the First Half

The opening 45 minutes of the contest were a cautious affair, with neither side able to impose themselves. Wolves looked well-organized and defensively compact under Pereira's guidance, while Manchester United struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Despite boasting the lion’s share of possession, United lacked penetration in the final third, with Wolves’ disciplined backline frustrating their attempts to break through.

Wolves, on the other hand, were patient in their approach. Their counterattacking intent was evident, but the home side found it difficult to breach United’s defensive setup. The first half ended goalless, with little to separate the two sides, though the energy of Wolves’ players hinted at a determination to seize the initiative in the second half.

Second-Half Drama Unfolds

The game roared to life just moments after the restart. Within 83 seconds of the second half kicking off, Wolves gained a significant advantage when United captain Bruno Fernandes received his marching orders. The Portuguese midfielder was shown a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Wolves’ Nélson Semedo, leaving his side to play the remaining 44 minutes with 10 men.

Fernandes’ dismissal marked a surprising turnaround in his disciplinary record. Having gone his first 233 games for Manchester United without receiving a red card, the midfielder has now been sent off three times in the 2024-25 season alone. His latest expulsion sees him join Nemanja Vidic in the club’s history books as the first United player to earn three red cards in a single campaign since the 2008-09 season.

The sending-off provided Wolves with the impetus to press forward. Just a minute after Fernandes left the pitch, Jørgen Strand Larsen thought he had given Wolves the lead with a towering header, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Undeterred, Wolves continued to pile on the pressure, and their persistence paid off just minutes later.

Cunha’s Magic From the Corner

In the 55th minute, Matheus Cunha produced a moment of brilliance that sent the Molineux faithful into raptures. The Brazilian’s inswinging corner caused chaos in the United penalty area, with goalkeeper André Onana misjudging his attempt to punch the ball clear. Under pressure from the Wolves attackers, Onana was left flailing as the ball sailed over his head and nestled into the back of the net.

Cunha’s goal not only highlighted United’s ongoing struggles to defend set pieces but also underscored Wolves’ improvement in capitalizing on opponents' weaknesses. The goal marked the ninth time Manchester United have conceded from a corner in the Premier League this season, a record that no other team matches.

United’s Struggles Deepen

Reduced to 10 men and trailing, United’s response was lackluster. While manager Ruben Amorim made tactical adjustments in search of an equalizer, his side lacked the creativity and composure needed to break down Wolves’ resilient defense. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both had quiet outings, and United’s reliance on long balls and hopeful crosses played into Wolves’ hands.

As the clock ticked toward full time, United pushed bodies forward, leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks. Wolves, content to absorb pressure, waited patiently for the right moment to strike.

Hwang Hee-Chan Seals the Win

That moment came deep into injury time. In the 99th minute, Wolves launched a devastating counterattack to put the game beyond doubt. Matheus Cunha, once again at the heart of the action, broke free just inside United’s half and unselfishly squared the ball to Hwang Hee-Chan. The South Korean forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Onana to score his first Premier League goal of the season.

The second goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Wolves players and fans, as it not only sealed a vital victory but also lifted the team out of the relegation zone. For Pereira, it was a perfect display of his side’s growing confidence and cohesion under his management.

A Tale of Two Teams

While Wolves celebrated a significant step forward in their battle for survival, Manchester United’s season hit a new low. The defeat marked their fifth loss in their last seven competitive games, with three consecutive defeats across all competitions. The pressure is mounting on Amorim, whose side now faces a daunting task in their final game of 2024 against Newcastle United next Monday.

United’s defensive frailties, particularly at set pieces, and their inability to maintain discipline have been recurring issues this season. With Bruno Fernandes suspended and a growing injury list, Amorim will need to find answers quickly to prevent further slide in form.

Pereira’s Impact

For Wolves, the Boxing Day triumph highlighted the impact of Vitor Pereira’s appointment. Since taking charge, the Portuguese manager has instilled a sense of belief and structure within the squad. His decision to field a well-drilled lineup and capitalize on United’s weaknesses proved instrumental in securing back-to-back wins.

Pereira’s influence was evident not just in the team’s tactics but also in their mentality. Wolves displayed resilience, discipline, and an ability to seize key moments – qualities that were sorely lacking earlier in the season.

Looking Ahead

Wolves’ victory lifts them out of the relegation zone, at least temporarily, as they await the result of the late Boxing Day clash between Liverpool and Leicester City. With momentum on their side, Pereira’s men will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures and secure their Premier League status.

For Manchester United, the focus shifts to damage control. The Red Devils desperately need a response when they face Newcastle, a team currently in strong form. Amorim will need to address his side’s defensive vulnerabilities, improve their discipline, and find a way to reignite their attacking threat.

Conclusion

Boxing Day at Molineux delivered a thrilling spectacle and a significant narrative for both teams. For Wolves, it was a night of celebration and optimism under their new manager, as they showcased their potential to climb out of trouble. For Manchester United, it was another chapter in a season of frustration and underachievement, with pressing questions that demand urgent answers.

As the Premier League heads into the new year, both teams face contrasting challenges. Wolves will aim to sustain their resurgence under Pereira, while United must dig deep to salvage their season and restore their reputation.