Manchester United succumbed to a very disappointing draw against bottom-of-the-league Wolves at Old Trafford as they ended 2025 on a low note. After beating Newcastle at home on Boxing Day, United were looking to secure back-to-back Premier League wins to move above Chelsea after their draw with Bournemouth earlier the same night.

But after Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected strike put United 1-0 up on 27 minutes, Ladislav Krejci headed Wolves level moments before half-time. The hosts were booed off at the break against a side they thrashed 4-1 away from home just three weeks ago. And without the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, they couldn’t muster a second goal and slipped to a poor draw before being booed off again at full-time. Express Sport rates and slates the Red Devils after a very underwhelming result…

Man Utd player ratings vs Wolves

Senne Lammens – 7

Great save from a Hugo Bueno strike along the floor but couldn’t stretch to deny goalscorer Krejci. A phenomenal save to stop Krjeci making it 2-1 Wolves on the hour mark before stopping Yerson Mosquera from netting the rebound.

Ayden Heaven – 7

Made a good tackle on Hwang Hee-chan and drove the ball forward in the lead-up to Zirkzee’s goal and again very good on the ball. Lucky that Tolu Arokodare headed over the bar after losing him. His withdrawal was booed.

Lisandro Martinez – 6

Couldn’t help United to their first back-to-back Premier League clean sheets of 2025. Did manage some important defensive contributions though.

Luke Shaw – 7

Some nice bursts forward out of possession to help open up space for United on the attack and almost assisted Sesko when he headed against the post a corner. Some nice deliveres from open play and set-pieces and was the likeliest to make something happen for United late in the second half. Booked.

Diogo Dalot – 6

Covered nicely to cut out a threatening first-half Wolves attack but headed one second-half corner wide. A crucial challenge deflected a late Wolves shot just wide. Needs to do more going forward.

Casemiro – 6

Thwarted some Wolves attacks well but unable to help United control the game and notably tired in the second half. Before then, played an unbelievable pass through to Sesko for a header.

Manuel Ugarte – 5

Another disappointing display and like Casemiro, was unable to help United dominate. Unlike, Casemiro, didn’t set up a great chance with a clever pass. Not good enough in possession.

Patrick Dorgu – 6

Back in a left wing-back role, put one good first-half cross into Sesko then had a low drive deflected just wide. Too far away from Krejci for the equaliser. Thought he’d scored a late winner but was clearly offside. Avoided a yellow card which means he dodges a one-game ban.

Joshua Zirkzee – 6

Not really in the game until his deflected strike put United 1-0 up. Did well to make the space to shoot but then never got in the game after that either. Subbed off at half-time. Gets a 6/10 purely for scoring – probably deserved a 5 too.

Matheus Cunha – 5

Far too quiet against his old club. Moved up top alongside Sesko in the final stages after barely seeing the ball first half but didn’t really influence the game from open play. One corner troubled Sa and threatened to find its way into the back of the net.

Benjamin Sesko – 5

Too wasteful. Fired just wide on the turn after great work to fashion himself an opening but then put a header into Jose Sa’s arms from a Dorgu cross. Headed against the post from a corner when he should have scored then wasted another good chance from Casemiro’s through ball, heading straight at Sa.

Substitutes

Jack Fletcher (on for Zirkzee, 46) – 5

Struggled to impose himself.

Leny Yoro (on for Heaven, 75) – 6

A surprising introduction when United were chasing a win.

Bendito Mankato (on for Ugarte, 75) – 6

Made his debut aged 17 on the right wing. Put one cross straight out for a goal kick.