Manchester United dropped points at home once again, settling for a 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 30, 2025. Joshua Zirkzee's early goal was canceled out by Ladislav Krejci's header before halftime, leaving Ruben Amorim's side frustrated despite several absences. The result intensifies scrutiny on United's inconsistent home form as they miss a chance to enter the top four.
Manchester United's hopes of climbing into the Premier League's top four were dashed at Old Trafford when they were held to a 1-1 draw by winless Wolves. The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute through Joshua Zirkzee, whose shot took a deflection off Krejci and looped beyond goalkeeper Jose Sa after good work from Ayden Heaven. Wolves, seeking only their third point of the season, responded just before halftime when Krejci rose highest to head in Hugo Bueno's corner, silencing the home crowd.
United were without key players including Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount due to injury, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui were absent at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the depleted squad, Amorim refused to use the absences as an excuse. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he said: “Not using anything as an excuse. We tried to put two strikers in and then conceded from a set piece. Today was not our day.” He added that the team lacked imagination and quality against Wolves' packed midfield.
Zirkzee, the goalscorer, was substituted at halftime for 18-year-old Jack Fletcher in a tactical move. Amorim explained to Sky Sports: “We were running around trying to get hold of the ball. We were struggling with their midfielders, and sometimes you can attack better with less strikers.” Late drama ensued when Patrick Dorgu thought he had won it for United, converting a rebound from Benjamin Sesko's saved shot, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa made several key saves, including clawing a misdirected header off the line, while United's defense held firm at times but couldn't find a winner. The draw ends Wolves' 11-match losing streak and heaps pressure on Amorim, whose side has now failed to win four of their last five home games, including draws against West Ham and Bournemouth, and a loss to Everton.
