Pablo Sarabia’s stunning late free-kick secured Wolves a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, April 20th, confirming their Premier League survival and condemning Manchester United to a record 15th league defeat of the season.
In stark contrast to their dramatic midweek Europa League comeback against Lyon, Ruben Amorim’s side delivered a lacklustre performance. Despite fielding youngsters Harry Amass and debutant defender Tyler Fredricson, United struggled creatively, managing only two shots on target throughout the largely drab encounter. Christian Eriksen saw a first-half free-kick tipped over by Dan Bentley, while Rasmus Højlund narrowly failed to connect with an Alejandro Garnacho cross.
Wolves, transformed under manager Vítor Pereira since his arrival in December, were defensively solid and struck decisively in the 77th minute. Just three minutes after coming off the bench, Sarabia curled a superb free-kick over the wall and past André Onana after Eriksen had conceded the foul near the edge of the box. United, even with Bruno Fernandes introduced for the final half-hour, couldn’t find an equalizer, with the captain himself spurning a late chance.
The defeat confirms this will be Manchester United’s worst Premier League season statistically; it’s their 15th loss (a new club record for the PL era) and they are guaranteed to finish with their lowest-ever points total (currently 38 points). They remain 14th in the table. The win was Wolves’ fifth consecutive top-flight victory – their best run since 1970 – and lifts them to 15th, level on 38 points with United and mathematically safe from relegation.
Off the pitch, fan discontent continued, with banners protesting against the Glazer ownership and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, particularly regarding controversial ticket relocation plans, visible near the directors’ box.
With their domestic campaign in tatters, Manchester United’s hopes of salvaging the season and securing European football now rest entirely on winning the Europa League, where they face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
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