Matheus Cunha shines as Wolves secure a dramatic 2-0 win over United. Dive into the match details and key moments from this exciting encounter.
Introduction:
Manchester United suffered their fourth loss in five Premier League matches after a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. The night was marked by a sending-off for United captain Bruno Fernandes and a stunning performance by Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who scored directly from a corner and assisted Hwang Hee-chan’s stoppage-time clincher.
This victory marked a triumphant home debut for Wolves’ new manager Vitor Pereira, who has guided his team to back-to-back wins, lifting them temporarily out of the relegation zone. See also: Rodrigo Muniz Seals Historic Fulham 2-1 Win at Stamford Bridge
Early Momentum for Wolves
Manchester United had promise of the match in the early stages, but Wolves soon took charge. Bruno Fernandes saw an early half-chance, but Wolves forced United keeper Andre Onana into action when Jorgen Strand Larsen’s powerful header was tipped over the bar.
Nelson Semedo’s deflected long-range shot further tested Onana, signaling Wolves’ growing threat. By halftime, United looked unsettled, and their fortunes took a dramatic turn just minutes into the second half.
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Fernandes’ Red Card Ends the Game
Bruno Fernandes’ night ended early as he was sent off with a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Semedo. United’s captain protested the decision, but VAR upheld the referee’s call, and United were down to ten men.
Within minutes, Wolves thought they had taken the lead as Larsen headed in a cross from Semedo. However, VAR confirmed the goal was disallowed for offside.
Matheus Cunha’s Moment of Magic
The deadlock was eventually broken when an unlikely source scored it in the 58th minute. Matheus Cunha curled the corner into the far corner of Onana’s net, beating the crowded penalty area. This was United’s second game in succession that they had conceded directly from a corner. It seems they are a fragile defense in set-piece situations.
Larsen had another goal disallowed for offside, but Wolves sealed the result deep into stoppage time. Cunha, in a moment of brilliance, surged forward on a counterattack and squared the ball to substitute Hwang Hee-chan, who hammered it home to secure the points.
Manchester United’s struggles continue.
United’s defeat exposed some of their persistent vulnerabilities. Now it has cost them a couple of goals in two games running, after allowing another set-piece against Tottenham at EFL Cup stage recently.
United looked disorganized and less creative without Fernandes, resorting to speculative headers from Alejandro Garnacho and Harry Maguire to mount little in return. Even a penalty review by VAR against them brought no respite to the Red Devils.
In upcoming games against Newcastle United and Liverpool, Ruben Amorim will face an uphill task to reverse the team’s slide and reinvigorate their campaign.
Wolves on the Rise Under Vitor Pereira
Wolves, meanwhile look revitalized under Vitor Pereira. Two victories and two clean sheets from his first two Premier League games have transformed the atmosphere at Molineux.
Matheus Cunha has been the difference-maker for Wolves. His corner, even if a bit lucky, showed the accuracy and assurance he brings to the team. To add to his goal, his assist for Hwang’s late strike capped off an excellent individual performance. With 11 goal contributions in his last 10 league matches, Cunha’s form could be the difference-maker for Wolves’ survival hopes.
However, Pereira has to deal with a looming challenge. Cunha is facing a possible FA ban after an incident following the loss of Wolves to Ipswich Town. Managing his absence, if it comes, will be a test for Pereira’s depth and tactical acumen.
What’s Next?
For Manchester United, the road ahead looks challenging. With their captain suspended and their form dipping, Amorim must rally his squad to avoid further setbacks. The matches against Newcastle and Liverpool could define their season, as the team risks slipping further behind in the league standings.
Wolves, on the other hand, will go into their next game against Tottenham with confidence. Pereira’s early success has revitalized the team, and if they can maintain this momentum, they could climb further away from the relegation zone.
Both teams have much to prove as the season progresses, but for now, it is Wolves who are basking in the glow of a deserved victory at Molineux.