Manchester United begin their Boxing Day clash with Wolves in 13th place in the Premier League, their lowest position at Christmas since the 1986-87 season.
The Red Devils finished the day in 14th place after the hosts claimed their second successive win under new coach Vitor Pereira. Goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan saw United leave empty-handed.
In fact, Man United started well at Molineux and almost completely controlled the match. However, they were unable to put enough pressure on the Wolves defence. The "Red Devils"' wastefulness in possession was punished, as the home side played better and won.
The game changed completely in the 46th minute when Man United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Nelson Semedo. Wolves were boosted by the man advantage and took advantage soon after.
From Cunha's corner kick, the ball unexpectedly went straight into the Man United goal, leaving goalkeeper Andre Onana helpless. The "Wolves" scored a second goal in the final minutes when Cunha assisted Hwang Hee-chan to shoot past Onana from close range.
Man United were unbalanced throughout the game. Coach Amorim will be concerned about the way the "Red Devils" allowed Wolves to easily regain the game. Amorim will be particularly disappointed by his team's lack of strength in attack. The Portuguese strategist will also lament the red card of captain Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim made just two changes to the starting line-up against Wolves - the fewest he has made since taking charge at Old Trafford. It looks like Amorim is getting closer to his preferred formation, but there are still some obvious limitations. He had to change things up after the red card, but Amorim's changes didn't have much effect.
"We have to improve the connection in the squad, but the team had some good moments. However, Man United lacked the necessary intensity. We didn't train enough, just played and tried to find a way to win, but that wasn't enough.
"We couldn't control the game like we had in the previous games. Although we didn't really dominate, Man United did well in some situations, especially set pieces. However, the red card made things very difficult" - Amorim said after the loss to Wolves.
