Vitor Pereira's Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Ruben Amorim's Manchester United 2-0 on Boxing Day in the Premier League at home, picking up their second consecutive victory.
Wolves produced some promising attacks down the flanks, but the game truly turned in the second half when Bruno Fernandes was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.
The hosts opened the scoring before the hour mark directly from Matheus Cunha's corner, and they could have easily doubled their lead over the next 10 minutes.
United pushed for an equaliser right up until the end of the game but left themselves exposed at the back, allowing Hwang Hee-chan to score in the closing stages.
Wolves' victory takes them out of the bottom three and into 17th place with 15 points, while Man United end the day in 14th place with just 22 points.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© PA Photos
Wolves have given themselves a real chance of staying in the division, and while United are not exactly in good form, Pereira should be proud of his tenure at Molineux so far.
It is difficult to blame Amorim for the defeat considering his captain acted recklessly and ruined any chance of his team gaining a foothold against Wolves.
However, the Red Devils' league position is astounding, and it is remarkable that the club has been allowed to fall so low - Amorim will need lots of time to fix the issues at Old Trafford.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
47th min: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) red card
A late, high challenge from Bruno Fernandes earns him a second yellow card, and Man Utd are reduced to 10 men! #PLonPrime #WOLMUN pic.twitter.com/79HfBE4WE1
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
Fernandes is late to a challenge and his boot is high on Nelson Semedo's foot. Referee Tony Harrington cautions him for a second time, dismissing the United captain.
What a reckless moment from Fernandes!
Matheus Cunha goal vs. Manchester United (58th min, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Manchester United)
A man down, and now a goal down!
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
Matheus Cunha's corner swings STRAIGHT IN and Wolves lead Man Utd 😱#PLonPrime #WOLMUN pic.twitter.com/H0T3LvhzxG
Andre Onana prepares to face a corner from Cunha, but the United goalkeeper is weak and easily loses out in the penalty box, flapping at the ball as Cunha curls his delivery into the back of the net.
Such poor goalkeeping!
Hee-Chan Hwang goal vs. Manchester United (90+9th min, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Manchester United)
WOLVES SEAL VICTORY OVER MAN UTD!#PLonPrime #WOLMUN pic.twitter.com/4bUU2FBW2r
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
Wolves win the ball back and release Cunha in behind United's defence, and he races through on goal unopposed before he unselfishly squares the ball left for Hwang to sweep home from close range into the top-right corner.
Game over!
MAN OF THE MATCH - MATHEUS CUNHA
© PA Photos
It seems like Cunha manages to impact every single game that he takes part in, even if his side have ultimately ended up losing more often than he would like.
In the first half, the attacker controlled loose passes, carried past United's weak midfield and powered through towards goal.
Scoring directly from a corner is much harder than it looks, but Cunha was by far the best player on the pitch, irrespective of his goal.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Wolverhampton Wanderers 50%-50% Manchester United
Shots: Wolverhampton Wanderers 7-11 Manchester United
Shots on target: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-4 Manchester United
Corners: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-4 Manchester United
Fouls: Wolverhampton Wanderers 12-12 Manchester United
BEST STATS
3 – Bruno Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to be sent off three times in a season in all competitions since Nemanja Vidic in 2008-09 (also 3). Mist. pic.twitter.com/0t8d3g1Vn8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 26, 2024
On the 19th December, Son Heung-min scores directly from a corner against Manchester United in the EFL Cup.
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2024
On the 26th December, Matheus Cunha scores directly from a corner against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Different goalkeeper, same result.
It's just the... pic.twitter.com/tZPIsPTPZ0
WHAT NEXT?
Wolves will hope that they can pick up three points against Tottenham Hotspur on December 29, and will hope that Nottingham Forest's fine form ends when they host them on January 6.
Manchester United face two difficult opponents in their next games, with a clash against Newcastle United to come on Monday before a trip to Anfield on January 5, when they face fierce rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.
Lewis Nolan
