In a tightly contested Premier League clash at Old Trafford, Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United on April 20, 2025. The match was marked by a stunning free-kick goal from Pablo Sarabia, who came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 78th minute, allowing Wolves to extend their winning streak to five matches.
Both teams entered the match with contrasting fortunes; Manchester United was looking to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United in their previous league outing, while Wolves aimed to continue their impressive form, having won four consecutive matches prior to this fixture.
United, currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, fielded a squad that reflected the fatigue from their recent Europa League quarter-final triumph over Lyon, where they secured a dramatic 5-4 victory in extra time. Head coach Ruben Amorim hinted at a rotation in the starting lineup, emphasizing the need to protect his players from injury after the taxing midweek match.
In his pre-match comments, Amorim stated, "I have to see it, players like [Diogo] Dalot, they are always ready but today he was really tired. The guys that are at risk to have an injury, we will try to save them so we will see tomorrow." He acknowledged the challenges of integrating younger players into the squad during a crucial time in the season, mentioning 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven as a potential standout.
As the match kicked off, it quickly became evident that both teams were struggling to create clear-cut chances. In a lackluster first half, Manchester United managed only three shots, while Wolves attempted just one, leading to a combined expected goals (xG) of 0.11. The first 45 minutes ended without any goals, with both teams looking to find their rhythm.
After the break, the game picked up pace, but it was Wolves who found the breakthrough. In the 78th minute, Sarabia, who had only just entered the game, stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the box. With precision and power, he curled the ball into the top right corner, leaving United goalkeeper Andre Onana with no chance. This goal not only secured the win for Wolves but also highlighted their recent resurgence under manager Vitor Pereira.
Despite the setback, Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes was a bright spot for the home side. He made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute, registering four shot attempts and eight passes into the final third, showcasing his importance to the team. However, his efforts were not enough to change the outcome of the match.
Wolves’ victory allows them to join Manchester United on 38 points in the Premier League standings, although they remain five goals behind on goal difference. This win is a testament to Pereira's ability to extract the best from his squad, as Wolves continue to climb the table after a rough start to the season.
As the match drew to a close, United’s frustrations were evident. They were unable to capitalize on their ball possession, failing to create significant scoring opportunities. The Red Devils have now reinforced their need for difference-makers, as they seek to improve their standing in the league.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will travel to Bournemouth on April 27, 2025, before facing Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals on May 1, 2025. Meanwhile, Wolves will aim for their sixth consecutive Premier League victory against Leicester City on April 26, 2025.
This match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Manchester United as they navigate a tumultuous season, while Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to build momentum and confidence under their new manager. With both teams looking to secure their positions in the league, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial for their respective campaigns.
