Wolves hold Manchester United to end losing streak

Wolverhampton Wanderers ended an 11-match Premier League losing streak on Tuesday, earning manager Rob Edwards his first point in charge with a battling 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

While the result provides a glimmer of positivity for the visitors, it was a frustrating evening for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, who were booed off by their own supporters. The draw denied United the chance to end 2025 in the top four, leaving them sixth in the table and highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued their campaign.

United, missing eight senior players due to injuries and international call-ups, struggled for rhythm but took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute. Young defender Ayden Heaven drove forward from halfway before feeding Joshua Zirkzee, whose shot from the edge of the area deflected off Ladislav Krejci to wrong-foot goalkeeper Jose Sa.

It was a rare moment of quality in a disjointed performance from the hosts. Without the creative spark of absentees Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo, United’s attack frequently stalled.

Wolves, despite sitting 15 points from safety, grew into the game and deservedly equalized before halftime. After United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had denied Hugo Bueno, he was powerless to stop Krejci, who was left unmarked at the far post to head home from eight yards.

The visitors continued to threaten after the break. Lammens was forced into a sharp save to deny Krejci a second, while Jhon Arias saw a deflected effort whistle narrowly wide. At the other end, United thought they had snatched a winner in the final minute through Patrick Dorgu, but a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check confirmed the substitute was offside.

The match also featured a rare application of the “eight-second rule,” with Jose Sa penalized for holding onto the ball for too long—only the third time the law has been enforced in the Premier League this season. However, United failed to capitalize on the resulting corner.

For Rob Edwards, the point offers validation of the defensive organization he has instilled since his arrival. Although relegation looks increasingly inevitable for Wolves, the performance suggested the team is still fighting. The board now faces a decision on whether to release funds for transfers in January or prepare for a reset in the Championship.

For Manchester United, the result compounds a difficult festive period. Zirkzee, who was substituted at halftime for 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, struggled to impact the game beyond his goal, amid reports linking him with a move to Roma.

Both sides return to action in the New Year. Manchester United travel to Leeds United on Sunday, 4 January (12:30 GMT), while Wolves host fellow strugglers West Ham on 3 January (15:00 GMT).