Manchester United began their Boxing Day game at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 13th place in the Premier League, their lowest position at Christmas since 1986/87. They finished the day in 14th place after the home team claimed their second straight win under new coach Vitor Pereira. The 2-0 win came from Matheus Cunha Olimpico and a goal from Hwang Hee-chan in the ninth minute of the break in the second half.

United had made a bright start at Molineux, enjoying the lion’s share of the early rallies without really penetrating Wolves’ defence. Their wastefulness in possession was punished as Wolves grew into the game and took it to the visitors.

The game changed in the 46th minute when United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second bookable offense involving a foul on Nélson Semedo. Wolves felt buoyed by the extra man and took advantage shortly afterwards when Cunha’s corner evaded everyone, including André Onana, and passed the far post. The Wolves had already had one goal disallowed, but they added a second goal when Hwang converted after Cunha’s counterattack and subsequent pass.

Another disappointing afternoon at the office for Ruben Amorim.

Positive

Amorim will have been pleased with his side’s start to the game, putting the home side under pressure in key areas and creating half-chances. Unfortunately there were few other positives for the United boss.

Negatives

United just looked unbalanced throughout. Amorim will be concerned about how his team allowed Wolves to get back into the game after such a positive start. Above all, his team’s lack of effectiveness in the future will frustrate him. He will also complain about his captain’s red card, which put his team under enormous pressure for almost 43 minutes.

Manager rating of 10

Ruben Amorim, 5 – He made only two changes to his starting lineup, the fewest changes since joining the club. It looks like he’s getting closer to his desired XI, but it feels like the January transfer window can’t come soon enough for the 39-year-old coach. He had to switch things up after the red card, but his three substitutions and two late substitutions had little effect.

Player Ratings (1-10, 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes do not receive a rating)

GK Andre Onana, 4 – It was good to fend off two chances in the first half, first parrying Matt Doherty’s cross from deep in the 16th minute and then keeping out Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header just before the half hour mark. However, he unforgivably conceded a goal straight from a corner and often appeared panicked when in possession of the ball.

DF Leny Yoro, 4 — The Frenchman was booked early after bringing down the fleet-footed Cunha and struggled to find a rhythm. He was substituted in the second half.

DF Harry Maguire, 4 — The England international, the linchpin of United’s defensive triumvirate, slowed possession during periods when Wolves were on the attack. His distribution helped change the piece at times, but it was just so laborious. He was also second best in his fight with Strand Larsen.

DF Lisandro Martínez, 5 — Strong in defense and had the chance to give the visitors the lead when he found himself in the Wolves penalty area, but his header lacked any penetration.

MF Noussair Mazraoui, 5 — Showed good energy in the first exchanges. He put the home team under pressure in their own half and delivered a cross that was dodged by two players in the middle. Moved into a deeper role when Yoro was substituted.

MF Manuel Ugarte, 6 – He was good at defending loose balls in the middle and was the liveliest player in United’s midfield in the first half. Was booked in the second half as Wolves sensed victory and will now miss United’s game against Newcastle United.

MF Kobbie Mainoo, 4 — He lacked pace and quality in key areas of the pitch and was guilty of over-exaggerating his passes. Another player received a yellow card, although his offense was a tactical decision and Wolves were in danger of collapsing in numbers.

MF Diogo Dalot, 6 – Had United’s best shot of the game, but his attempt to run from the edge of the box was saved with all his might by José Sá. I found clever tempo cams coming from the left side.

MF Amad, 5 – He showed good feet throughout and did well at keeping the ball moving when United had possession in the Wolves penalty area, but his end product lacked real quality. It looked easy and United struggled to get the youngster into positions where he could make a difference.

MF Bruno Fernandes, 3 — The Portuguese midfielder was sent off just 90 seconds into the second half for a ridiculously naive tackle. After being booked for a foul on the impressive Cunha in the first 45 minutes, he was penalized for showing off his studs at the expense of Semedo early in the second minute. Between the two fouls he played a clever one-two with Mainoo and had a shot blocked.

FW Rasmus Højlund, 4 — Made a lot of good runs, but didn’t always get to the ball and looked lonely at times. Was frustrated when he was in space and players chose to shoot or delay their pass.

Substitute

MF Christian Eriksen (Ugarte, 63′), 5 — With Ugarte becoming increasingly frustrated, the experienced Danish international was brought on to calm the visitors down. He had a late free kick inside that was cleared for a corner.

MF Casemiro (Mainoo, 63′), 6 — The Brazilian replaced the disappointing Mainoo and fired a header towards goal moments after coming on, but his shot lacked punch. He also brought a loosely thrown ball into the box, giving United a late threat.

MF Antony (Yoro, 63′), 5 — Five minutes after coming on as a substitute, the winger saw his shot go just wide.

MF Alejandro Garnacho (Amad, 79′), NR — The Argentine won a free kick late on but United were unable to take advantage.

FW Joshua Zirkzee (Hojlund, 79′), NR — The Dutchman barely saw anything of the ball after being substituted on.