Manchester United were unable to turn around their stuttering form against relegation-threatened Wolves after being reduced to ten men for their clash at Molineux on Boxing Day.
Ruben Amorim had once again opted to omit Marcus Rashford from his traveling squad amid mounting speculation that the academy graduate will soon leave his boyhood club.
But despite staying on even terms in the first half, United were hampered minutes into the second half when captain Bruno Fernandes picked up a second yellow card and was forced off the pitch.
It took Wolves just 11 minutes after the Portugal international to take the lead through Matheus Cunha's opener, and under newly appointed manager Vitor Pereira he maintained the upper hand despite a tense final period.
The hosts were sorely tested as the clock ran out but managed to hold on and claim three celebratory points thanks to a 98th-minute goal from Hwang Hee-Chan, ending any hopes of a comeback.
Here, Mail Sport's Aadam Patel takes the lead on who struggled and who shone as United's hunt for a resurrection under Amorim continues.
Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
André Onana – 4
Made some important saves, including a great diving stop to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen, but you simply can't concede straight from a corner – although Matheus Cunha's goal was quite special.
Leny Yoro-5
Came into the United States' three-man defense. He was given a careless booking in the fourth minute but was decent until replaced by Antony just after the hour mark.
Harry Maguire-5.5
He fought well with Stand Larsen throughout the match but was done away with by the Wolves striker for his header, which was saved by Onana. Like the rest of the United defense, they will be furious at the goal they conceded.
Lisandro Martinez – 5.5
Together with Yoro and Maguire it wasn't that bad, but again a match without a clean sheet. He missed a big chance in the first half when his header from six yards out was easily saved by Jose Sa.
Noussair Mazraoui-6.5
Started as a right wing-back, further demonstrating that he can play anywhere in this system. Fighted well against Rayan Ait-Nouri before playing as a centre-back as Amorim made a triple substitution at 1-0. Probably United's best player on the day.
Manuel Ugarte-5
He has to do more. There is certainly a quality player in there, but he struggled to get into the game and was substituted just after the hour mark as United hunted for an equalizer.
Kobbie Mainoo-5.5
Another one with more to offer. Got into some good positions but carelessly lost the ball a few times. In the 64th minute he was subbed off for Casemiro.
Diogo Dalot-6
Played on the left flank and put in a good shift. Had a good try saved from off the beaten track and always offered an option. Should have been used more.
Amad Diallo-5.5
Offered a threat but was wasteful when in possession. Made some poor decisions in dangerous positions and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho in the 80th minute.
Bruno Fernandes-3
A day to quickly forget for the United skipper. Cost his team. He was shown a yellow card for a foul on Cunha in the first half and then picked up a second yellow card for bringing down Nelson Semedo at the start of the second half. There is no need to face such challenges when you are booking. Stupid would be an understatement.
Rasmus Hojlund 4.5
Back in the starting lineup, but offered absolutely nothing against statistically the worst defense in the league. Cut a frustrated figure everywhere due to the lack of service. Only 14 touches.
Replacements
Anthony – 5
I tried to make an impact with a drilled effort that went just wide.
Casemiro-5
Like Antony, he had a chance to equalize, but headed straight at Jose Sa.
Christian Eriksen-5
Replaced Ugarte and United looked much better in midfield with Eriksen.
Alejandro Garnacho-5
Diallo has it replaced. Had a reasonable chance, but headed over.
Joshua Zirkzee-5
With ten minutes to go he came on for Hojlund. Done nothing,
Manager
Ruben Amorim-4
Yes, he will require patience and he was not helped by his captain, but this was another lackluster United performance with hardly any signs of change from Erik ten Hag's reign. Amorim has a huge task and he knows it.
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