Manchester United ended 2025 by picking up just one point at home to Premier League strugglers Wolves.
Any festive cheer at Old Trafford was dampened by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Wolves, who picked up just their third point of the season.
Who was Manchester United’s most DISAPPOINTING player vs Wolves?
Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring with a deflected shot, but United’s lead was short-lived because Ladislav Krejci denied Senne Lammens back-to-back clean sheets with a well-placed header. Patrick Dorgu had the ball in the back of the net in the final minute, but it was ruled out as offside.
United will end the calendar year in sixth position in the Premier League table.
Back to a back five
Ahead of the Wolves match, Ruben Amorim spoke about changing formation and how he did not want to tweak his system because of media pressure.
Recently, United have impressed playing with a back four, but Amorim decided to go back to his 3-4-2-1 shape against Wolves.
If Amorim switches to a back four, which centre-backs get benched? De Ligt, Yoro, Heaven or Martinez? Decisions, decisions…
What do you think of Ruben Amorim's comments on Manchester United's formation?
Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu went back to playing as wing-backs having previously played on the same side of the pitch as each other last time out.
Benjamin Sesko was better
It has been a frustrating stop-and-start season for summer signing Benjamin Sesko so far, and two Premier League goals is not what he would have hoped for at the halfway point of the season.
But Sesko did show vast signs of improvement against Wolves, and he was unlucky to leave Old Trafford without a goal.
The Slovenian carved a brilliant chance for himself in the first half, and then hit the post with a towering leap from a corner.
Joshua Zirkzee mystery
Joshua Zirkzee is linked with an exit in January, but he was handed a start against Wolves after Mason Mount was ruled out.
Zirkzee scored United’s opener following a brilliant run from Ayden Heaven. It was Zirkzee’s second goal of the season, and potentially last if he does leave next month.
Bizarrely, the Dutch forward was replaced at half-time and it is not yet confirmed whether he has suffered an injury.
Joao Gomes auditions at Old Trafford
In the reverse fixture at the start of the month, Joao Gomes was suspended and missed the match against United.
Matheus Cunha thinks Joao Gomes could be as good as Casemiro
Gomes is linked with United ahead of the January window as a potential midfield option for Amorim, and the Red Devils boss got to watch him up close at Old Trafford.
Up against Casemiro – who he could yet replace at United – Gomes impressed, making four defensive contributions for Wolves.
Bendito Mantato gets his chance
When United were chasing a winner in the final 15 minutes, Amorim turned to the bench and called for 17-year-old Bendito Mantato to make his debut.
Bruno Fernandes took Mantato under his wing after he was not brought on against Aston Villa, but the young winger finally got his chance to impress.
Mantato was brought on as a right-sided winger after United moved to a 4-3-3 formation, and he showed some crisp passing and moments of promise.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
