Manchester United ended 2025 on a low note after succumbing to a very disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-league Wolves at Old Trafford. After defeating Newcastle at home on Boxing Day, United were aiming to move ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League with back-to-back wins after drawing with Bournemouth on the same evening.
However, Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected shot gave United a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, before Ladislav Kureishi headed home the equalizer for Wolves just before half-time. The hosts were booed at half-time against a side they had beaten 4-1 away just three weeks earlier. The team, without Bruno Fernandes, Brian Mbeumo and Amado, were unable to score a second goal and were tied for a weak draw, with the visitors booed again at full-time. Express Sport assesses and predicts the Red Devils’ very underwhelming result…
Evaluation of Manchester United’s players against Wolves
Senne Ramens – 7
Hugo Bueno’s shot made a great save along the floor, but couldn’t stop Krejci from scoring. An incredible save by Kljeci put Wolves up 2-1 with an hour left before the rebound was stopped by Jelson Mosquera.
Aiden Heaven – 7
Once again, he handled the ball very well, making a good tackle on Hwang Hee-chan and pushing the ball forward towards Zirksee’s goal. Tolu Arokodare was lucky to head over the bar after losing. His withdrawal was met with boos.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Although he was unable to help United achieve their first consecutive Premier League clean sheets of 2025, he did make an important contribution defensively.
Luke Shaw – 7
He opened up United’s attacking space with a great shot forward from possession and almost assisted Sesco when he headed against the post. Something was most likely to happen for United late in the second half, with some great shots from open play and set-pieces. I made a reservation.
Diogo Dalot – 6
They covered well and thwarted Wolves’ threatening attack in the first half, but their header in the second half missed the corner. A decisive challenge saw Wolves’ shot in the closing stages go just wide of the target. We need to do more work in the future.
Casemiro – 6
Although he thwarted several Wolves attacks, he was unable to help United control the game, and his fatigue was especially noticeable in the second half. Before that, he made an incredible pass and scored a header for Sesco.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
It was another disappointing result and, like Casemiro, he was unable to contribute to United’s dominance. Unlike Casemiro, he did not create big chances with deft passes. Not enough possession.
Patrick Dorg – 6
Returning to the left wing-back role, he put in a good cross to Sesco in the first half, his low drive just deflecting. Too far from Krejci to score the equalizer. I thought I had scored the winning goal in the final stages, but it was clearly offside. By avoiding a yellow card, he avoided a one-match suspension.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
He didn’t actually play in the game until his deflected shot gave United a 1-0 lead. We did a good job of creating space for shots, but we didn’t get into the game after that. He was sent off at halftime. Scores a 6/10 purely on points alone – probably deserves a 5 as well.
Matheus Cunha – 5
It was too quiet for his old team. Although he barely saw the ball in the first half, he came out on top alongside Sesco towards the end, but did not have much of an impact on the game from open play. One corner troubled Sa and threatened to go into the back of the goal.
Benjamin Sesco – 5
It’s too wasteful. He did a great job creating chances, then went narrowly wide on the turn, but his header from Dorg’s cross hit Jose Sa’s arm. He headed in from a corner kick when he should have scored, wasting another good opportunity from a through ball from Casemiro, and headed straight into the goal.
substitute
Jack Fletcher (Zirkzee, 46) – 5
I had a hard time imposing it on myself.
Yoro Lenny (The Road to Heaven, 75) – 6
A surprising introduction when United were chasing victory.
Bendito Mankato (played against Ugarte, 75) – 6
He made his debut as a right winger at the age of 17. Just put in a cross and take a goal kick.
