Manchester United vs Wolves : Player Ratings

MANCHESTER UNITED vs WOLVES : PLAYER RATINGS

Manchester United Slump to Another Home Defeat Against Wolves: Player Ratings & Match Analysis

Manchester United’s recent defeat to Wolves has left the team reeling, with the Red Devils suffering their 15th Premier League loss of the season. The 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford was a disappointing outcome, especially considering the team’s impressive comeback against Lyon in the Europa League just a few days prior. In this article, we’ll delve into the player ratings, match highlights, and key takeaways from the game.

Match Highlights:

The match highlights from Manchester United’s defeat to Wolves were scarce, with neither team creating many clear-cut chances. The first half was a dull affair, with both teams struggling to find any rhythm. The second half was more open, with Wolves introducing Pablo Sarabia, who scored the winning goal with a stunning free-kick.

The match itself was a cagey affair, particularly in the opening half. United enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but both sides struggled to carve out meaningful chances. Hojlund and Wolves’ forward Jorgen Strand Larsen were largely anonymous figures in the initial stages. The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock before the interval was a Christian Eriksen free-kick that forced Wolves’ goalkeeper Dan Bentley into a smart save.

The introduction of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot just before the hour mark was intended to inject dynamism into United’s attack. While Fernandes did provide some impetus, it was Wolves’ substitute, Pablo Sarabia, who ultimately proved to be the game-changer. With just 15 minutes of regulation time remaining, the Spaniard unleashed a stunning, curled free-kick that sailed beyond the outstretched hand of Andre Onana and into the top right-hand corner, silencing Old Trafford.

Hojlund’s Misery Continues

The spotlight, unfortunately, once again falls on Manchester United’s young striker, Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish international endured another night to forget, squandering two clear-cut opportunities that could have altered the course of the game. His first glaring miss saw him break through on the left with options to his right, only to become entangled with the ball, allowing a Wolves defender to dispossess him. The second came courtesy of an inviting cross from Alejandro Garnacho at the far post, but Hojlund’s sliding effort failed to make contact with the ball.

The £72 million signing’s body language as he was substituted in the 70th minute for teenager Chido Obi spoke volumes. A gaze fixed on the ground; a visible weight of expectation unmet – it’s a portrait of a striker desperately yearning for the season to conclude. The burden of the iconic No.9 shirt appears heavy, and the consistent failure to convert chances is undoubtedly impacting his confidence and the team’s overall performance.

Manchester United vs Wolves : Player Ratings

Goalkeeper & Defence:

Andre Onana (6/10):Had a relatively quiet afternoon until Sarabia’s moment of brilliance. Made a comfortable save from Matheus Cunha shortly after the goal.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):Captained the side as the most experienced starter but showed a lapse in concentration defensively and missed an opportunity to connect with a Dorgu cross at the other end. Substituted in the 78th minute.
Tyler Fredricson (7/10):A standout performer on his senior debut. Displayed remarkable composure under pressure and effectively dealt with several defensive threats. His progressive ability on the ball was also noteworthy.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):An inconsistent display. Showed good aggression at times but conceded a dangerous free-kick in the first half and was responsible for the foul that led to Wolves’ winning goal.
Harry Amass (6/10):The young full-back provided moments of excitement with a crunching tackle and showed comfort on the ball. However, an air-kick highlighted his inexperience.
Leny Yoro (N/A):Replaced Lindelof late in the game and didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact.

Midfield:

Patrick Dorgu (5/10):Switched to the right flank and delivered a couple of inviting crosses that ultimately went astray. Booked in the second half before being substituted.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):Was a prominent figure in the early stages, breaking up play and distributing passes. However, a slip-up forced Fredricson to cover, and he was taken off before the hour mark.
Christian Eriksen (5/10):His powerful free-kick was saved, but he ultimately conceded the crucial foul that led to Sarabia’s winner. His overall influence on the game felt minimal.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):Playing in a more advanced role, he didn’t have his usual joy in tight spaces and appeared understandably rusty after his recent injury layoff. A curling shot went wide.

Attack:

Rasmus Hojlund (3/10):Another deeply frustrating performance. His inability to convert key chances proved costly for United. His confidence appears to be dwindling with each passing game.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):Had a quiet first half but came alive after the break, creating opportunities for Hojlund and Fernandes with dangerous crosses from the left flank.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):Came off the bench and injected some energy but missed a good opportunity to equalize.
Mason Mount (4/10):Blazed a good chance over the bar. Needs to exert a more significant influence in these types of matches.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):A noticeable drop-off in energy compared to his midweek performance. Delivered a few crosses without finding a target.
Chido Obi (5/10):Replaced Hojlund but struggled to find space and control his one clear pass.

Manager:

Ruben Amorim (5/10):The six changes clearly indicated the prioritization of European commitments. However, a sixth home defeat under his management is a concerning statistic. While his substitutions were proactive, they ultimately failed to yield a positive result.

Key Takeaways: A Disappointing Defeat

The defeat to Wolves was a disappointing outcome for Manchester United, especially considering the team’s recent form. Here are some key takeaways from the game:

Lack of Creativity: Manchester United struggled to create clear-cut chances, with the team’s attacking play lacking creativity and flair.
Defensive Frailties: The team’s defensive frailties were exposed once again, with the concession of a free-kick leading to the winning goal.
Young Players Impress: Despite the defeat, some of Manchester United’s young players impressed, with Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass showing promise.

This defeat leaves Manchester United four Premier League games without a win, further dampening the mood around Old Trafford. While the Europa League offers a potential chance for silverware and Champions League qualification, the continued struggles in the league highlight the deep-seated issues that need addressing. The reliance on moments of individual brilliance is unsustainable, and the lack of clinical finishing, particularly from their main striker, is proving to be a significant Achilles’ heel.

What is your thought on the match? Predict where United will finish in the league at the end of the season

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MANCHESTER UNITED vs WOLVES : PLAYER RATINGS