A chilling silence descended upon Old Trafford as Manchester United stumbled to another frustrating draw, this time against the Premier League’s basement dwellers. The atmosphere wasn’t one of defiance, but of growing despair as a winnable game slipped through their fingers.
Recent performances at home have been nothing short of alarming. Losses to Everton and dropped points against West Ham and Bournemouth had already ignited a firestorm of criticism, but Tuesday’s result against Wolves felt different – a new low in a rapidly descending spiral.
Wolves arrived at Old Trafford having secured a meager two points from their previous eighteen games. To be held by such a struggling side felt less like a setback and more like a symptom of a deeper malaise gripping the team.
A flicker of hope had emerged just days prior, a hard-fought victory against Newcastle United. For the first time, the manager had abandoned the much-criticized three-at-the-back system, hinting at a potential turning point.
That hope proved tragically short-lived. Against Wolves, a baffling return to the 3-4-3 formation stifled any attacking momentum. The team appeared sluggish, lacking both creativity and a discernible plan.
A stroke of luck provided an opening goal after 27 minutes. Joshua Zirkzee’s shot, heavily deflected, somehow found the back of the net, offering a momentary reprieve to the anxious home crowd.
The lead, however, proved illusory. United failed to capitalize, and Wolves punished their complacency just before halftime. Ladislav Krejčí rose unchallenged to head home an equalizer, silencing Old Trafford once more.
At the interval, Zirkzee was replaced by Jack Fletcher, one of six academy graduates warming the bench – a stark illustration of the team’s current predicament and reliance on youth.
As the second half unfolded, United’s attacks became increasingly labored and predictable. Wolves, sensing vulnerability, dominated possession and looked the more likely to snatch a winner.
The final whistle blew, confirming a result that felt less like a draw and more like a defeat. The weight of expectation, and the growing frustration of the fans, hung heavy in the air.
