Wolves moved out of the relegation zone thanks to Matheus Cunha’s goal from a corner as Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Manchester United in their 2-0 defeat at Molineux.
Cunha was the outstanding player on the pitch throughout but it was still a surprise when his second-half corner was allowed to curl beyond Andre Onana and into the net. It is the second time in three games that United have conceded directly from a corner.
Fernandes’ red card for two reservable infractions had already left United in front of him and had not retreated for the side of Ruben Amorim, with the 99th goal of Hee-chan Hwang, established through Cunha, of course, of course, sealing a massive victory. For Vitor Pereira’s Lobos.
That Christmas he came just one time in the Premier League season in front of his own fans, but two wins from two under Pereira to lift Wolves to 17th.
United’s defeat sees them drop down to 14th in the Premier League table.
The red card to Fernandes obviously offered some mitigating circumstances for this United defeat and there was enough tension inside Molineux to believe that Amorim’s players might conjure an equaliser until very late in the game. But this was still poor.
Cunha’s goal, the fifth goal on a saved kick that United concedes under Amorim, a moment directly into a corner in a fortnight. No Premier League team has conceded a greater proportion of its goals in such conditions this season.
Much of the current focus at United is long-term, but it’s something Amorim will have to deal with temporarily to prevent this season from going from bad to worse. Especially when the more general question about the team’s taste in the game is still a factor for those players.
This fit into a thrilling 4-3 last season, however, both clubs have replaced their coaches since then and with either Portuguese coach committed to their 3-4-2-1 system, the competition is very different. United were the team that seemed to have the most difficulties.
Even when the game was 11 against 11, they lacked speed, moving the ball too slowly to take credit for opponents who started the game in the last three. Amorim will be more convinced than ever that total adjustments are needed for next season. .
But next season is a long way off if United continues to play like this. It will be Newcastle next, and then back-to-back games against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League and FA Cup respectively. It may get more confusing before it gets better.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim expressed himself at the press conference:
“The concept needs time. I told you before, it will be a complicated moment and we are far from the end of this moment. We will have to continue and focus on the next thing.
“They want time to train, they completely replace. The shape of the game is complicated for them, it is very complicated that the staff deliver all the information. When you have no effects, it is still more difficult for them to believe.
When asked if he was disappointed to concede a corner again. . .
“When you are jumping, the slightest touch against Tottenham was in the arm, today it was in the back. When you touch someone when he’s jumping it’s really hard to catch the ball.”
When asked if it’s about United being sucked into the table. . .
“In this moment we just have to survive and to take some time to work on the team. We already knew it. I started this job and we started with the team, the new idea, without any time to train, with a lot of tough games. We already knew it, it’s a long journey.”
When asked how long it will take him to work at United. . .
“I have no idea. Instead of looking to know how long it will take, day after day, to improve, look to watch the videos, use every minute of practice and seek to earn points, because that is vital in this area.
He is asked if he is through Fernandes for the red cardarray.
“I’m always frustrated with the red card, but it can happen. He wants to go to the ball, it’s not like he wants to stop a play with a yellow. He wants to go to the ball and then the other guy touches the ball first and then there is a contact.”
After scoring Leicester in Pereira’s first game, Cunha followed a goal and helped the Wolves in this defeat of Manchester United.
“He is a top player,” said Pereira afterwards.
“He is a special player. He can do things that can make a difference in the small details. We are looking at his corner because we need the swing to explore that. But you can paint a lot and in the end nothing happens. This type of player, it can happen “.
Asked about Cunha standing up as a leader in this Wolves team, Pereira praised the Brazilian – and others in his squad. “I am discovering day by day leaders within the team,” he added. “They want to do something. They want to change things.”