Manchester United’s visit to Wolves on Boxing Day ended in disappointment, leaving the travelling fans feeling far from festive. Ruben Amorim’s December struggles continued as United suffered their first Boxing Day defeat since 2015, falling 2-0 to an inspired Wolves side at Molineux. Set-pieces proved United’s undoing yet again. Matheus Cunha stunned André Onana by scoring directly from a corner in the first half, and despite United dominating possession, they failed to create any clear opportunities. Wolves sealed their victory in the dying moments when Hee-Chan Hwang struck, with Cunha providing the assist to cap off an outstanding performance. Here are four key takeaways from the match.
Amorim Needs Backing
While frustrations are mounting, fans must recognise that Ruben Amorim is not the root cause of United’s struggles. The manager inherited a squad plagued by systemic flaws, and he has consistently warned of challenges this season. With individual errors recurring and the squad lacking balance, the onus lies on the club to support him.
Amorim’s early tenure has shown flashes of promise, but to progress, the January transfer window will be pivotal. A left wing-back is a pressing need to address United’s tactical vulnerabilities. The problems within the squad echo the warnings issued by Ralf Rangnick during his interim stint—issues rooted in the culture and structure of the club. Amorim is the right man for the job, but he needs the resources to rebuild effectively.
Set-Pieces Continue to Haunt United
United’s defensive frailties at set-pieces remain a glaring concern. Matheus Cunha’s corner goal marked the second time in three games that United have conceded directly from such a situation. André Onana was caught in no-man’s land, underlining the need for more organisation and leadership in these critical moments. Ineos must act in January to address this recurring issue. Bringing in a set-piece specialist to bolster the backline could provide Amorim with the defensive stability his side desperately needs. Until then, United’s inability to defend corners will likely remain a costly Achilles’ heel.
Cunha Shines as United Struggle
Wolves’ Matheus Cunha delivered a standout performance, tormenting United’s defence throughout the match. His dribbling skills caused chaos, earning bookings for both Leny Yoro and Bruno Fernandes, and his direct goal from a corner further showcased his quality. Given United’s ongoing links to Cunha, his display felt like an audition—and he passed with flying colours. The Brazilian’s creativity and dynamism offer a stark contrast to United’s current attacking woes. With Marcus Rashford’s future uncertain, Cunha could be an ideal addition to revitalise United’s forward line.
Creativity in Crisis
United’s attacking struggles were laid bare once again, as they relied heavily on Amad Diallo for any semblance of creativity. Recently introduced to the starting XI, Amad looked mature beyond his years, often carrying the burden of creating chances single-handedly.
However, this reliance highlights deeper issues. With a defensive-minded midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, United lacked the fluidity to break Wolves down. Upfront, Rasmus Højlund remained isolated, struggling to adapt to Amorim’s system. The lack of goals under Amorim’s tenure has become a growing concern, and finding solutions will be imperative as the season progresses.
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