Old Trafford Frustration as United Stumble Again Against Struggling Wolves
If there was one phrase that summed up the mood around Old Trafford after Manchester United’s 1–1 draw with Wolves, it was probably the one spoken by stand-in captain Lisandro Martinez: “We expect better.” That feeling wasn’t limited to the players. It was echoed loudly by the fans, many of whom booed at full-time after watching United fail to beat a Wolves side that had lost 11 league games in a row and was still being talked about as one of the worst Premier League teams in recent history.
On paper, this looked like a game United should have controlled comfortably. Instead, it turned into another night of frustration. Wolves came in low on confidence but left with a point, their first since early October, while United were left searching for answers once again. The familiar chant of “attack, attack, attack” rang out in the second half as the home side struggled to create clear chances, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
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United did take the lead through Joshua Zirkzee, whose deflected effort capped a bright move involving Ayden Heaven. But even that moment of positivity came with a twist. Zirkzee, who has struggled to convince since his arrival, was taken off at half-time despite scoring, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his role and future. Wolves, meanwhile, grew into the game and were rewarded just before the break when sloppy defending from a corner allowed them to equalise.
The second half brought urgency but little clarity. Chances were missed, decisions were questioned, and when Ruben Amorim replaced one centre-back with another late on, eyebrows were raised. Teenage attackers remained unused on the bench, and the lack of imagination in the final third became impossible to ignore.
To be fair, Amorim does have mitigating circumstances. Injuries and absences have piled up. Bruno Fernandes was sorely missed, creativity was lacking without Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, and key attacking options were unavailable due to international duty. Still, excuses only go so far, especially at home against a team in Wolves’ position.
What makes the situation even stranger is the league table. Despite all the inconsistency, United end 2025 sitting sixth, level on points with Chelsea and still within touching distance of the Champions League places. Amorim insists he remains confident, believing that once players return, the team’s fluidity and quality will improve.
But as 2026 begins, the bigger picture feels unavoidable. Performances like this suggest deeper issues, not just temporary ones. With the winter transfer window approaching, it increasingly feels like United’s season, and any realistic hope of Champions League football, will be shaped by what happens next. For now, though, one thing is clear: at Old Trafford, better is still expected.
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