Manchester United were well beaten on Boxing Day, and after the game things might have gotten even worse for Ruben Amorim.
Wolves triumphed on Boxing Day, beating Manchester United 2-0 at Molineux.
Ruben Amorim warned of a storm when he took charge, however, he likely did not expect the struggle to see his United side lose four games in five.
An Andre Onana blunder saw Matheus Cunha score from a corner and go on to be the man of the match, as he also assisted the second Wolves goal.
Bruno Fernandes’ red card was the deciding moment as it saw Wolves take charge and United barely responded.
After the game, things may have got worse for Amorim.
Kobbie Mainoo spotted limping after 2-0 defeat
After losing 2-0, Amorim did not need any more bad news to dampen his spirits.
Bruno and Manuel Ugarte are both now out vs Newcastle, but they could be joined by another midfielder.
MEN journalist Steven Railston was at the Molineux and saw Kobbie Mainoo walking through the mixed zone after the game.
All was not well though, as he tweeted, claiming that Mainoo was limping as he departed the Midlands on Thursday – as Noussair Mazraoui was seen doing against City last week.
This would potentially leave only Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer available as midfield options on Monday at Old Trafford.
Such weak options to face an in-form Newcastle would be likely to result in yet another bad night. Thursday night however was also a bad night for United and Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo fails to impress for Manchester United against Wolves
After the heroics of last season, Mainoo has struggled this season and there is no shame in admitting that as at 19, he is expected to be inconsistent.
Against Wolves, Mainoo was also poor, which tells a very different story to the last time United visited Molineux.
- 63 minutes
- 20/29 passes
- 3 chances created
- 37 touches
- 0 dribbles
- 0 tackles
- 2/8 duels won
Mainoo whether injured or not, should be treated like the youngster he is. He will be a world-beater, but he still has a lot of work to do and expectations should be tempered accordingly.
Mainoo is adapting to Amorim and also to his increased muscle which has led to slightly less agility, although on the ball he is still so impressive.
It’s important fans don’t judge Mainoo right now, and instead support him as he is still only 19 and has plenty of growth to come.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
