Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their impressive resurgence under new manager Vitor Pereira with a decisive 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Boxing Day, exposing the visiting side's defensive weaknesses. Matheus Cunha, who had faced uncertainty due to misconduct charges, played a pivotal role by scoring one goal and assisting another, leaving United to grapple with yet another loss.
Previously suffering from dismal performances—including a recent 3-0 drubbing at home against Bournemouth—Manchester United saw their problems compounded as Bruno Fernandes received his third red card of the season. The disciplinary issues continued to plague the team, as they found themselves languishing near the mid-table, currently sitting at 14th. Amidst rising concerns, United’s latest match presented little improvement as they failed to register their attack decisively, all the more frustrating for fans.
Wolves entered the match with confidence after securing victory against Leicester City just days before. The Molineux crowd welcomed Pereira, who had inherited the position from Gary O’Neil, hoping for stability and success following managerial changes. The match turned out to be the first test for Pereira at home and the victory underlined his strong start.
Cunha showcased his skill throughout the game, drawing fouls from the United defense and offering significant attacking threat. Wolves would break the deadlock shortly after Fernandes’ red card, with Cunha delivering a corner kick which was not properly defended by United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, resulting in the ball ending up at the back of the net.
Onana's performance was under scrutiny, particularly after he claimed to be fouled during the goal, but his appeals were dismissed. Wolves capitalized on United's deficiencies, with Hwang Hee-chan adding another goal before the final whistle, sealing the Wolves’ victory. This loss marked the fifth defeat for United across the last ten matches, raising alarm bells about the club’s current form and tactics under manager Ruben Amorim.
Meanwhile, Derby County achieved their own milestone with a much-needed 2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion. Jerry Yates finally broke his scoreless streak, netting his fifth goal of the season. The win was particularly important as it brought relief to the club, who had been facing pressure and searching for consistency.
Yates’ performance was not only pivotal for Derby but also symbolized how desperately the team needed this win after recent struggles. West Brom, meanwhile, faced their challenges during the match, compounded by the fact they were without their usual management following Carlos Corberan's departure to Valencia. Interim head coach Chris Brunt found himself working with little preparation time before facing the Rams.
The first half saw Derby capitalize on West Brom’s timid display, with Yates scoring to add to their tally. West Brom attempted to spark some momentum, though they were thwarted during key moments by timely blocks and the woodwork. A Mason Holgate own goal added to Derby's comforts but left room for concern when West Brom reduced the deficit with Grady Diangana’s goal just before the final minutes.
Despite the June-like weather at Pride Park, Derby maintained their composure to secure all three points, much to the delight of their supporters. Brunt's men managed to hold on, ensuring they took home the victory when there were fears of another last-minute collapse.
The contrasting stories of Wolves and United—one celebrating resurgence and hope, the other mired in disappointment and uncertainty—highlight the turbulent nature of football seasons, especially during the busy holiday fixture period.
The results leave Wolves optimistic about their chances of staying up after Pereira's arrival, demonstrating the immediate impact of leadership changes. On the other hand, United’s supporters are left questioning the roadmap and strategy for the remainder of the season.
