Manchester United secured a commanding 4-1 Premier League victory against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, moving up to sixth in the league standings. While the Red Devils celebrated, Wolves’ supporters staged a protest against the club’s Chinese ownership, adding drama to an already tense evening.

Wolves Fans Stage Protest

Before kickoff, a large number of Wolves supporters delayed their entry to Molineux for 15 minutes as part of a protest against the club’s owners, Fosun International. Chants of “Shi out” echoed around the stadium, reflecting fan frustration over a perceived “managed decline” and a lack of investment in the squad. Wolves, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League with just two points, have now equalled a club record with eight consecutive defeats, matching a streak last set in the 1981-82 season.

Despite their efforts, the home crowd witnessed another disappointing performance as Wolves fell behind to Manchester United’s attacking display.

United’s Second-Half Surge

Wolves initially stunned the visitors when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored following a mis-hit shot by David Møller Wolfe, ending a 540-minute goal drought for Wolves. However, Manchester United quickly regained control in the second half.

• Luke Shaw’s tackle on Bellegarde sparked a counter-attack, allowing Diogo Dalot to set up Bryan Mbeumo for an easy finish.
• Mason Mount then brilliantly controlled a chipped pass from Bruno Fernandes to score United’s third goal, marking the first time since March that the Red Devils led by two goals in an away league fixture.
• Fernandes capped the scoring with an 82nd-minute penalty after a VAR handball call against Yerson Mosquera, completing United’s biggest win of the season.

Manchester United had 27 shots, 10 on target, highlighting their dominance and the sheer number of chances created. Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone made several key saves, but the quality gap was evident as United’s clinical finishing ultimately decided the contest.

Wolves’ Struggles Continue

Manager Rob Edwards has faced immense pressure as Wolves remain 13 points from safety. Despite some promising displays, the team’s lack of quality and consistency has left fans increasingly frustrated. The protest at Molineux underlined the growing tension between supporters and ownership, who currently have no plans to sell but are seeking minority investment.

Wolves’ upcoming fixture against Premier League leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (Saturday, 13 December) presents another daunting challenge, with few expecting the sequence of defeats to end.

Player Ratings & Highlights

• Manchester United: Mason Mount (7.74) – Player of the Match
• Wolves: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (4.70) – Scored Wolves’ only goal
• Key contributions: Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Bryan Mbeumo
• Wolves defensive struggles: Toti Gomes (3.92), Fer López (3.90), Jorgen Strand Larsen (3.80)

The game showcased both Manchester United’s attacking depth and Wolves’ ongoing defensive vulnerabilities, highlighting the stark contrast between a team climbing the Premier League table and one battling relegation.

What’s Next?

• Manchester United face Bournemouth at home on Monday, 15 December (20:00 GMT), looking to maintain momentum.
• Wolves travel to Arsenal on Saturday, 13 December (20:00 GMT), hoping to break their losing streak and avoid making unwanted club history.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester United demonstrate resilience and attacking strength, securing their biggest win of the season.
• Wolves’ eighth consecutive defeat matches a club record, deepening relegation concerns.
• Fan protests at Molineux highlight tensions with ownership and growing frustration over the club’s direction.
• VAR decisions and key individual performances, especially by Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, played a decisive role.

Manchester United’s victory not only boosts their position in the league table but also provides a confidence boost as they approach a crucial mid-December run of fixtures. For Wolves, the pressure continues to mount both on and off the pitch, with fans calling for significant changes to reverse the club’s fortunes.