MANCHESTER, April 20, 2025 — Manchester United’s dismal Premier League season took another painful turn on Sunday afternoon after a late moment of brilliance from Wolves’ Pablo Sarabia handed the Red Devils their 15th league defeat in front of a frustrated Old Trafford crowd.
United, who were still buzzing from their thrilling Europa League victory over Lyon on Thursday night, returned to Premier League action looking to turn the corner. But once again, a lack of cutting edge in front of goal and defensive lapses saw them punished — this time by an inspired Wolves side who are now flying clear of the relegation zone.
A Youthful Starting XI Offers Promise but No Points
Manager Ruben Amorim, whose focus is clearly leaning toward securing European success, named a bold and youthful lineup against Wolves, making five changes from the side that faced Newcastle in their last Premier League outing.
Among the surprise starters were academy graduates Harry Amass, Patrick Fredricson, and the highly-rated Chido Obi, all getting rare chances to shine on one of football’s biggest domestic stages.
United’s starting XI looked fresh and determined: Onana; Mazraoui, Lindelof (captain), Fredricson, Amass; Dorgu, Ugarte, Eriksen, Mainoo; Hojlund and Garnacho.
From the early stages, it was clear that the youthful lineup had the energy, but lacked the composure and ruthlessness needed to turn opportunities into goals. Garnacho was lively on the left, delivering a series of dangerous runs and sharp deliveries. Fullback Mazraoui also impressed with two delightful passes into the path of striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite a series of promising build-ups, the breakthrough never came.
Missed Chances Prove Costly
The first real glimpse of a goal came in the 65th minute, when Garnacho whipped in a perfect cross from the left, only for Hojlund to stretch and narrowly miss connecting. It was the kind of chance that has defined United’s underwhelming season — close, but not close enough.
Just three minutes later, manager Amorim made what felt like the obvious substitution, withdrawing Hojlund and introducing Obi in search of a more clinical edge. But even that change couldn’t spark a breakthrough.
Bruno Fernandes, who was introduced as a second-half substitute, attempted a speculative volley from the edge of the box in the 72nd minute, but failed to connect properly. United continued to push, sensing the match was still winnable, but lacked the finishing touch.
Sarabia Delivers the Killer Blow
All of United’s wastefulness came back to haunt them in the 77th minute.
Wolves were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area after Christian Eriksen picked up a yellow card for a late tackle. Up stepped Sarabia, who produced a spectacular curling effort that flew past Onana into the back of the net. It was a strike worthy of winning any match — and it left Old Trafford silenced.
The goal was a bitter pill to swallow for United, especially given their overall performance had not been poor. But football, as ever, is a game of fine margins, and Wolves had the player capable of making the difference on the day.
Sarabia was booked for his celebration, adding to the drama of the match, which saw a total of six yellow cards issued by the final whistle.
Analyst Verdict: Effort Without Execution
At half-time, analysts noted that while the first half lacked goals, it was full of individual bright spots for United. Amass was praised for an “incredible” defensive display, Garnacho had several successful deep runs into Wolves’ territory, and Dorgu delivered a superb cross that went unconverted.
But the same story played out throughout the 90 minutes — missed chances and an absence of killer instinct in front of goal.
In midfield, Ugarte’s defensive positioning and ball-winning were notable, but his distribution was called into question as he repeatedly hesitated in releasing the ball after winning it back, slowing United’s attacking rhythm.
Wolves’ Revival Continues as United’s Woes Deepen
For Wolves, this victory marked their fifth consecutive win in the Premier League, an extraordinary run that has seen them escape relegation fears and climb comfortably up the table. Their discipline and defensive organization frustrated United throughout, and Sarabia’s moment of quality underlined just how far United’s season has fallen off the rails.
Meanwhile, United’s defeat leaves them stuck in the lower half of the table, still winless in their last four league matches. The club’s focus now shifts firmly to the Europa League, where Amorim will hope his rotation policy pays off in the upcoming semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Fans Frustrated On and Off the Pitch
Even before kickoff, tensions were high at Old Trafford. Fans once again voiced their anger toward co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, staging visible protests in the stands over seat relocations and the club’s underwhelming season.
Placards reading “Pay for your own mistakes, not with my seat” painted a picture of the strained relationship between supporters and the club’s new leadership.
The defeat to Wolves will do little to ease the growing discontent. For many supporters, the loss only reaffirmed the belief that drastic changes are needed both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
Final Whistle: What Next for United?
The full-time whistle confirmed Manchester United’s 15th Premier League defeat of the season — a staggering statistic for a club of their stature.
The remaining league fixtures now appear to be little more than preparation for their European ambitions, as United’s domestic campaign limps toward a disappointing end.
For Wolves, the win represents another step in a remarkable turnaround and a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.
One thing is certain: Manchester United fans will be hoping that Thursday night’s European form returns quickly, because in the Premier League, the misery continues.
