Manchester United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The home side took the lead in the 27th minute when Joshua Zirkzee found the net, giving United a boost after their mixed recent form that included a win over Newcastle but a loss to Aston Villa. Wolves, coming off a string of defeats including heavy losses to Liverpool and Arsenal, fought back just before the break with Ladislav Krejci’s goal in the 45th minute to level things up.

The second half saw United make changes, with J. Fletcher replacing Joshua Zirkzee at the 46th minute, and later Bendito Mantato and Leny Yoro coming on for Manuel Ugarte and Ayden Heaven in the 75th. Wolves responded with their own subs, including Jørgen Strand Larsen for Tolu Arokodare in the 64th, but neither side could find a winner despite a late VAR check for United’s Patrick Dorgu in the 90+1st minute. This result extends United’s unbeaten run in their last two home games, while Wolves will take heart from ending a run of four straight losses with this hard-fought point.

Manchester United edged possession with 56% of the ball compared to Wolves’ 44%, suggesting they controlled more of the play but couldn’t turn it into a win. They also had twice as many corners at 8-4, pointing to more attacking pressure, while successful dribbles were close at 45-42, showing both teams were lively going forward. Wolves picked up two yellow cards, one for Jackson Tchatchoua in the 63rd minute and another for Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 90+5th, which might have made things tense late on, but there were no reds or penalties to swing the game.

Both sides used three substitutions each, with United bringing on J. Fletcher for Joshua Zirkzee at half-time, then Bendito Mantato for Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro for Ayden Heaven in the 75th minute to freshen things up. Wolves swapped Tolu Arokodare for Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 64th, Fer López for Hee-chan Hwang in the 88th, and David Møller Wolfe for Jhon Arias deep into stoppage time at 90+5’, likely aiming to hold on for the draw.

The game sparked into life when Joshua Zirkzee scored for Manchester United in the 27th minute, putting the hosts ahead after a decent spell of pressure. Wolves hit back right on the stroke of half-time with Ladislav Krejci’s equaliser in the 45th minute, shifting the momentum and giving them something to build on after the break. A key change came at the interval when J. Fletcher replaced Joshua Zirkzee for United, while Wolves’ introduction of Jørgen Strand Larsen for Tolu Arokodare in the 64th added some threat, though it was marred by his late yellow card in the 90+5th minute.

United’s double switch in the 75th minute saw Bendito Mantato come on for Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro for Ayden Heaven, aiming to push for a winner, but a VAR review involving Patrick Dorgu in the 90+1st minute didn’t lead to anything decisive. Wolves also made late adjustments, with Fer López replacing Hee-chan Hwang in the 88th and David Møller Wolfe for Jhon Arias in the 90+5th, helping them see out the draw despite Jackson Tchatchoua’s earlier booking in the 63rd.

Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, which allowed them to build play through the midfield where Manuel Ugarte featured before his substitution, while Joshua Zirkzee led the line effectively with his goal before making way at half-time. The setup highlighted partnerships like the one involving Ayden Heaven in defence until Leny Yoro came on, and attacking options that created chances, with Patrick Dorgu involved late on.

Wolverhampton Wanderers set up in a 3-5-2 formation, giving them solidity at the back and width through the midfield, where players like Hee-chan Hwang contributed before his late substitution. Ladislav Krejci stood out with his goal, while the shape allowed for counter-attacks, with Jhon Arias pushing forward until David Møller Wolfe replaced him in stoppage time, and Jørgen Strand Larsen adding presence up top after coming on for Tolu Arokodare.

Coral’s Man of the Match was Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sá, who earned it with a solid display in goal that kept his side in the game. He made five crucial saves and only conceded one goal, while his five clearances and two punches helped deal with United’s pressure, especially from set-pieces. Sá’s performance was key in securing the draw for Wolves.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Newcastle United (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Aston Villa (A)
• Draw: 4-4 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)
• Win: 4-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Manchester United (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Liverpool (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Brentford (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Arsenal (A)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Manchester United (H)

Manchester United have just drawn 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, leaving them in sixth place on 30 points after a run that includes a win over Newcastle and a high-scoring draw with Bournemouth. They’ll be looking to build on this and chase European spots when they face Leeds United, who are currently 16th on 20 points, in their next match on 2026-01-04 at 12:30. With their recent form showing some resilience, a win could help them pull further away from the mid-table pack.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have just earned a 1-1 draw against Manchester United away from home, a positive result given their position at the bottom in 20th on just three points after four straight losses including defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. They’ll aim to build on this point in their fight against relegation when they take on West Ham United, currently 18th on 14 points, in their next fixture on 2026-01-03 at 15:00. Picking up more results like this could be vital to climbing out of danger.

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