Manchester United lost further ground in the Premier League race after a home draw with bottom club Wolves, with Ruben Amorim again criticising the lack of creativity. Joshua Zirkzee scored via a deflection, yet Wolves equalised through Ladislav Krejci and also saw Patrick Dorgu denied by an offside flag in added time. Old Trafford reacted with frustration at another missed chance to claim three points.
Across the 90 minutes, the numbers underlined Manchester United's problems in attack against Wolves. Amorim's side produced 15 attempts but posted an expected goals figure of only 0.81. Wolves created fewer shots, with 11 efforts, yet finished with a higher expected goals total of 1.02. United lacked clear openings, while Wolves threatened more
when they advanced.
That flat attacking display against Wolves continued a wider Premier League trend for Manchester United under Amorim. United have now drawn five of their last seven league matches after scoring first, winning just two of those games. Since Amorim took charge, Manchester United have converted a 1-0 lead into victory in only 52% of league fixtures, which highlights existing game-management issues.
Amorim admitted the performance against Wolves fell short of expectations, stressing how Manchester United lacked spark in key areas. "We struggled throughout all the game, Amorim said.We had a lack of creation, but we already knew it would be a different game to Newcastle [United].We had a different energy during the game. "United are held at home.Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 30, 2025
Amorim later expanded on how Manchester United failed to break down Wolves across long spells. "Looking at the 90 minutes, we had our chances, but the fluidity offensively wasn't there. There is a lack of connections at the moment. We needed more imaginationto create chances. We struggled in the first half trying to steal the ball. They put a lot of men in the midfield. We tried, but the quality was not there. " That congested midfield shape from Wolves regularly disrupted United’s rhythm.
Key moments shaped the Manchester United vs Wolves draw in the Premier League. Zirkzee's opener, a deflected strike, gave United control before the interval. However, Krejci met a cross with a firm header just before half-time to level. Late drama followed when Dorgu thought Wolves had snatched victory, only for the assistant to flag for offside after the finish, keeping the score at 1-1.
Lisandro Martinez reflected on the Manchester United display against Wolves, matching Amorim's criticism of the performance level. "Really disappointed, he added.We can't come here and draw this game. We have to win when we play at home. The opponent has to suffer, and we didn't get the three points. [It's] very frustrating. The team gave everything. Just for a few moments, we conceded in the last moment of the first half; that can happen. We deserve that; it's our responsibility. We played well with the ball in the first half, but then we dropped too much. They were comfortable with the ball, and they started moving around and creating spaces.The lads are very disappointed; we expect better. " Martinez’s words echoed the sense that United let control slip after a promising start.
The draw with Wolves leaves Manchester United still searching for a consistent attacking identity under Amorim in the Premier League. Wasteful finishing, a low xG return and another surrendered lead reinforced longer-term concerns. With players and head coach aligned in their criticism, pressure now increases on United to respond with greater imagination and control in upcoming fixtures.
