Manchester United’s flawless Easter Sunday streak came to a frustrating end as Wolves snatched a surprise 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
A curling free-kick from substitute Pablo Sarabia in the 77th minute proved decisive, as United failed to convert their dominance into goals.
Ruben Amorim made five changes from the Europa League thriller against Lyon, handing 19-year-old Tyler Fredricson a senior debut. Key names like Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were initially rested, but even their introduction in the second half couldn’t reverse United’s fortunes.
The match began in typical cagey fashion. Kobbie Mainoo’s early penalty appeal was waved off, and despite United seeing more of the ball, Wolves had the first attempt, Nelson Semedo blasting over from distance. Christian Eriksen’s dipping free-kick forced Dan Bentley into a sharp save, and Mainoo’s curling shot just before the break gave fans a glimpse of promise, but the first half ended goalless.
After the restart, Rasmus Hojlund powered through the Wolves defense only to be denied at the last second. United kept probing, with Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo showing flashes of creativity, and the introduction of Fernandes, Mount, and Dalot upped the tempo.
Still, the finishing touch was missing.
Then came the sucker punch.
With 13 minutes to play, Matheus Cunha won a foul just outside the box. Sarabia stepped up and whipped a flawless strike past Andre Onana, Wolves’ only shot on target. It was a textbook smash-and-grab, as United’s late flurry of attacks, Mount’s wild finish, Fernandes’ misfired shot, and a final free-kick chance, came to nothing.
The loss dents United’s push for a strong finish in the Premier League and brings them back to earth after Thursday’s European high. With six league games left and a European semi-final on the horizon, Amorim now faces the challenge of rallying a squad that looked both rotated and fatigued.
Match Stats Recap
- Man Utd possession: 63%
- Shots (on target): United 12 (3) | Wolves 4 (1)
- Goals: Sarabia (77’)
- Attendance: 73,819
- Yellow cards: Dorgu, Eriksen (United); Andre, Ait-Nouri, Sarabia (Wolves)
Old Trafford may have been sunlit, but the mood turned grey as Wolves pulled off one of the shocks of Matchweek 33. The Reds’ top-half hopes just took another hit, and they’ll need a response, fast.
