Ending a streak of 11 consecutive league defeats, Wolves displayed resilience instead of looking like a team on the brink of relegation, successfully interrupting United’s attempt to reclaim a top-four position.
Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee took advantage of a rare starting opportunity by giving United the lead in the 27th minute, creating a small opening on the edge of the area before finding the net with a shot deflected off Ladislav Krejci.
Benjamin Sesko came close to doubling the lead in the 39th minute but his header from a corner hit the post, epitomizing a frustrating evening for the 22-year-old Slovenian.
Wolves remained tenacious and Krejci equalized just before halftime, with Zirkzee inadvertently assisting by redirecting a defensive header across the box for the Czech to nod in at the far post.
The pace stayed intense in the second half, with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa scrambling to prevent a header from his teammate Yerson Mosquera from crossing the line. United’s Senne Lammens, however, made an impressive double save to thwart Krejci and Mosquera.
Patrick Dorgu appeared to have secured a last-minute winner for United, but his goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check, leaving United in sixth place with 30 points, while Wolves sit at the bottom with three points from 19 matches.
Frustration was evident for United coach Ruben Amorim, as he lamented his team’s failure to capitalize against Wolves, who have not won in their last 23 league games.
“Throughout the 90 minutes, we had opportunities, but our attacking fluidity was lacking. There are connectivity issues at the moment,” he told Sky Sports. “They made an effort, we didn’t perform well. If you struggle with the ball, you will find it tough without it. We need to regroup and prepare for the next match.”
Fans of United were puzzled when Zirkzee was substituted for Jack Fletcher at halftime.
“We were having difficulty against their midfielders, and sometimes fewer strikers can improve attacking options. We played with three strikers, and that wasn’t always the best approach,” Amorim explained.
“This match is done; you can’t change its outcome, but you can move forward and prepare for the next one.”
