Manchester United 0-1 Wolves: Ralf Rangnick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United head coach after a dominant Wolves side earned a deserved win at Old Trafford. It was a disappointing game for all the fans of Manchester United even though Ronaldo took the arm band and Phil Jones returned to play after 712 days but couldn’t help the team win. Follow Live Sports news and updates on InsideSport.IN
Manchester United 0-1 Wolves: Joao Moutinho’s goal gives Ralf Rangnick first taste of defeat as United boss
A famous win for @Wolves!
They beat Man Utd at Old Trafford for the first time in the #PL#MUNWOL pic.twitter.com/7bqTQIbdwg
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 3, 2022
Scorers: Moutinho 82′
The visitors dominated the first half, mustering up 15 attempts on goal with United having David De Gea to thank for keeping his side level. Daniel Podence stung the palms of the goalkeeper with a shot at his near post before the Spaniard produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Rúben Neves’ powerful half-volley from the resulting corner.
Bruno Lage’s side continued to have the better of the game in the second half but it was the hosts who had the first golden chance to break the deadlock. Nemanja Matić’s cut-back found substitute Bruno Fernandes eight yards out but he saw his shot crash against the crossbar.
It was then Wolves’ turn to be cursing the woodwork as Romain Saïss smashed the bar with a free-kick. But the travelling support were not unhappy for long as in the 82nd minute they finally nudged into a deserved lead.
João Moutinho latched on to a headed clearance on the edge of the box before taking one touch and drilling the ball into the bottom corner. United remain in seventh while Wolves have crept back up to eighth and now lie just three points behind Rangnick’s men.
Manchester United 0-1 Wolves: Joao Moutinho’s goal gives Ralf Rangnick first taste of defeat as United boss
Tonight’s defeat is Rangnick’s first since he took charge, and his team needs to learn their lessons. Going forward, they looked lost for most of the game, and they need to work on their game to qualify for the Champions League this season. Wolves are now three points behind United and up to eighth in the Premier League table.
Wolves have secured their first league win at Old Trafford since 1980. Lage’s men were the better team throughout the 90 minutes, with De Gea keeping the likes of Semedo, Podence and Neves at bay in the first half. United improved for 10 or 15 minutes in the second half, but it was not enough as Moutinho secured all three points with eight minutes of normal time remaining. After Traore’s cross was cleared, the Wolves midfielder collected the ball and fired past De Gea to reward Wolves’ travelling supporters.
March 19, 2008: Ronaldo captains Manchester United for the first time
January 3, 2022: Ronaldo captains Manchester United for the second time pic.twitter.com/pOyycf4uDN
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 3, 2022
📋 Our first starting XI of the new year…#MUFC | #MUNWOL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 3, 2022
Manchester United 0-1 Wolves: Joao Moutinho’s goal gives Ralf Rangnick first taste of defeat as United boss
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire will miss Monday evening’s meeting with Wolves due to injury. It leaves Ralf Rangnick with a big decision to make as to who will partner Raphaël Varane, with Victor Lindelöf also absent due to struggling to get back to full fitness after contracting COVID-19 and is in isolation currently.
NEWS | Harry Maguire is out injured for Manchester United’s match against Wolves.
More from @lauriewhitwell https://t.co/Ru3ga3WoHZ
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) January 3, 2022
Eric Bailly was substituted in the win over Burnley with a hamstring issue which puts his participation in doubt and he is also on the verge to go for his country’s AFCON competition, meaning Phil Jones is a shock contender to make his first Premier League outing in over two years but Matic or McTominay could fill in as Makeshift defenders.
Although Jones has reportedly impressed the new manager in training, he has only two Under-23 appearances this season under his belt, while Nemanja Matić or Scott McTominay could offer alternatives in the position. It has not yet been determined how long Maguire will be sidelined.
Manchester United 0-1 Wolves: Joao Moutinho’s goal gives Ralf Rangnick first taste of defeat as United boss
Editors pick
