Manchester United’s poor run of form in the Premier League continued with a defeat to Wolves.
Less than 72 hours after Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 in the Europa League, the Red Devils were thrown back into action in the Premier League.
Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick goal in the second half gave Wolves the breakthrough at Old Trafford after United dominated much of the match.
Ruben Amorim explained why United cope better in Europe than they do domestically, and he still can’t quite get his team ticking in the Premier League this season.
Here are five things learned from Manchester United’s defeat on Sunday afternoon:
Ruben Amorim kept his promise with Tyler Fredricson
After beating Lyon, Ruben Amorim said post-match that he will have to trust academy players in the Premier League for the remaining matches this season.
He kept to his word against Wolves, handing a start to Harry Amass and a senior debut to Tyler Fredricson.
The 20-year-old defender played on the left of United’s back three and was extremely impressive, stepping up and being aggressive in his defending, while also being composed and calm in possession.
Fredricson can expect plenty more minutes before the curtain is drawn on the season.
Patrick Dorgu impresses on the right
With Amass starting at left wing-back, Amorim gave Diogo Dalot a well-deserved rest with Patrick Dorgu starting on the right.
Amorim raised eyebrows when Dorgu started on the right on his debut against Leicester City, and he has spent most of his time on the left ever since.
But Amorim insists Dorgu can play on the right, and United’s January signing proved his point on Sunday.
Dorgu was fantastic going forward, and he delivered two wonderful crosses into the box from the right which should have carved clear-cut chances if United’s attackers gambled on the ball coming in.
Struggles without Bruno Fernandes
After his superb display against Lyon, club captain Bruno Fernandes was handed a rare rest for the Wolves clash, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo starting either side of Rasmus Hojlund.
Fernandes was sent off against Wolves in the reverse fixture, so he was probably eager to get on the pitch and redeem himself.
Eventually, Fernandes came off the bench on the hour mark to play alongside Christian Eriksen in midfield. United’s creativity immediately improved.
Frustrating afternoon for Rasmus Hojlund… again
With Joshua Zirkzee out for the season following his hamstring injury, there is even more pressure on Rasmus Hojlund to perform.
However, the 22-year-old has struggled for form and his confidence has hit rock bottom.
Against Wolves, Hojlund showed glimpses of promise when it came to beating his man and linking up play around the box.
But once again, in front of goal, nothing worked for him. There can be no complaints about a lack of service this time around, either, with Alejandro Garnacho and Dorgu both supplying good chances.
Matheus Cunha Old Trafford audition
Ineos will want to sign a new No.10 for Amorim this summer and one name on their shopping list is Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
Cunha is expected to cost around £62.5m this summer if United make a move, but he didn’t exactly light up Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
In the reverse fixture, Cunha scored directly from a corner at Molineux, but Amorim’s side were able to keep him quiet this time around.
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