Bruno Fernandes' red card clearly brought mitigating circumstances and there was enough tension inside Molineux to believe that Manchester United could create an equalizer until the end of the match. But in short, the 0-2 defeat to Wolves was still very alarming for coach Ruben Amorim's team.
This result marked Man United's third consecutive loss. That means they have won just two of their eight Premier League games under Amorim. According to ESPN Global Research, this is also the first time Man United have lost 3 consecutive matches in all competitions since September 2023.
Another lackluster performance, another direct goal conceded from a corner, let alone a set piece. Most of the focus at Man United is currently long-term, but that is something Amorim must quickly resolve to avoid this season getting out of control.
No team has conceded more goals from corners in the Premier League this season than Man United (9 - level with Wolves). Meanwhile, Amorim is also the first United manager to lose five of his first 10 games in all competitions since Walter Crickmer in January 1932.
For Bruno Fernandes, he is the first "Red Devils" player to be sent off three times in a season in all competitions, since Nemanja Vidic in 2008-09 (also three times).
When asked how long it will take for his playing principles to be applied, Amorim admitted: "I don't know. I don't know. Instead of waiting to see how long it will take, I just try day by day."
In a match where both Portuguese coaches applied a 3-4-2-1 formation, Wolves players seemed more comfortable with that system.
Even with equal numbers, the "Red Water" still lacked strength, moved the ball too slowly and attacked disjointedly. Amorim will be more convinced than ever that there needs to be comprehensive changes for next season.
However, next season seems to be a long way off if Man United continue to play like this. Newcastle will be their next opponents, followed by consecutive away matches against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League and FA Cup. Things could get worse before they get better (if at all) for the Portuguese.
"My ideas need time. I told you before that this will be a difficult time and we have a long way to go until it ends. We have to continue and focus on the next match," Amorim said after the defeat to Wolves.
