Premier League strugglers Wolves were beaten by Manchester United in Monday Night Football as Ruben Amorim’s side moved into sixth place and level on points with Chelsea.
Bruno Fernandes sent the visitors ahead in the first half as Man Utd started the stronger of the two sides. It was a scrappy goal, supplied by former Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha, which the captain poked past Sam Johnstone to put Amorim’s side in control.
However, they failed to extend their lead despite plenty of opportunities and were punished on the stroke of half-time as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde slotted home an equaliser.
Amorim’s half-time team talk obvisouly had an effect as the visitors began the second half aggressively. They overturned a high press from Wolves and burst forward through Diogo Dalot who drew out the goalkeeper and fed Bryan Mbeumo to tap home into an open net.
Mason Mount then volleyed home a guided effort after meeting a dainty Fernandes cross before VAR judged Yerson Mosquera to have handled the ball in the box leading to a penalty for the visitors. Fernandes slotted it home to secure the points.
Relive the updates from the Molineux below:
Wolves vs Man Utd live
- Wolves beaten by Man Utd in the Premier League
- 82' GOAL! Fernandes slots home penalty (WOL 1-4 MUN)
- 62' GOAL! Mount's volley opens up cushion for United (WOL 1-3 MUN)
- 52' GOAL! Mbeumo tap in restores lead (WOL 1-2 MUN)
- 45+2' GOAL! Bellegarde pokes home equaliser after super Wolves move (WOL 1-1 MUN)
- 28’ CHANCE! United almost add a second after flurry of chances (WOL 0-1 MUN)
- 25' GOAL! Fernandes scores scrappy opening goal (WOL 0-1 MUN)
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes shines in statement win over Wolves
Monday 8 December 2025 23:00 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes’ brace helped Manchester United get back to winning ways as rock-bottom Wolves’ wretched campaign continued with a 4-1 loss on a night of protest at Molineux.
Ruben Amorim fumed after last Thursday’s Old Trafford draw with struggling West Ham and would be forgiven for raging at his players midway through Monday’s match.
Fernandes put the visitors into a deserved lead, only for meek stoppage-time defending to allow Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to score Wolves’ first Premier League goal since October 26.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes shines in statement win over Wolves
Brilliant Mbeumo
Monday 8 December 2025 22:56 , Mike JonesManchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo has either scored (four) or assisted (two) a goal in six of his seven Premier League appearances against Wolves.
What did Amorim say at half-time?
Monday 8 December 2025 22:53 , Mike JonesThe Man Utd boss explained: "It wasn't tactical. It was so clear we are dominating the games but not finishing the plays as we should do. We need to be better in the details. Trying to explain to the players we have 45 minutes to win the three points that are crucal for our life.
"It's important. We had some games against teams in better moments and had many shots. We need to improve the quality of the shots. We need to focus not just on scoring but protecting our goal."
Amorim on impact of Mount:
Monday 8 December 2025 22:50 , Mike Jones"It's not just the goal he scored, it's the way he plays the game - how he attacks, he defends, he understands his technical qualities. You don't need to have many touches. He's a really good player and works hard. He knows sometimes he needs to start on the bench."
On what moving into sixth place means: "Nothing. It's always the same feeling we should have more points. But that's in the past, let's focus on the future."
Ruben Amorim reviews the game:
Monday 8 December 2025 22:47 , Mike Jones"I think we started the game really well. We scored a goal and we let Wolves a little bit get back into the game. We suffered in the last play of the first half but in the second half we had good pace, good quality in the decisions. We finished the game and Wolves is in one difficult moment. It was a good evening.
"We score four but we had a lot of shots, so I can't make that connecttion with more clinical. I think we improved a lot if you compare last season and this season we are creating so much more chances and scoring more goals and having more real situations of danger, so I'm really pleased with that."
Mount on Fernandes:
Monday 8 December 2025 22:44 , Mike Jones"We all know the calibre of player he is. When he gets on the ball he's always trying to create something. He's a joy to play with as a player that's higher up the pitch because you know he's having a look and he's going to play the ball over the top."
More from Mount:
Monday 8 December 2025 22:41 , Mike Jones"Attacking with freedom. I thought some of the combinations going forward were crisp, were sharp and that's what we can do.
"We know we can do that. It's about us creating as many chance as we can as forward players and trying to get on the scoresheet. I thought going forward we were solid, and as a defence it's about defending as a team and not letting them have any chances to get back into the game."
Reaction from Mason Mount:
Monday 8 December 2025 22:38 , Mike Jones"It was an important win for us. Obviously, first half we let them back in it before half-time and we go into the changing room frustrated and disappointed with the end to the first half.
"The manager had a few things to say and we come out there and it was down to us to attack with purpose and finish our chances we were creating. We're happy with the second half, parts of the first half as well. Overall, very happy with that."
Lots of improvement from United
Monday 8 December 2025 22:22 , Mike JonesManchester United had 27 shots in that match, the most of any game under Ruben Amorim.
It was a statement win they needed against the team at the bottom of the table to prove that improvements are happening under this manager.
Consistency is the next thing that needs to come for them.
Man Utd shoot up the table
Monday 8 December 2025 22:18 , Mike JonesHaving stumbled in a 1-1 draw with West Ham before tonight’s match, Manchester United needed to beat Wolves.
They did so with aplomb and moved themselves from 12th in the table up to sixth.
United are now level on points with Chelsea and are only eight behind leaders Arsenal.
The consistency isn’t there to think of them as challengers for the Champions League spots but they’re giving themselves a good chance.
A record low for Wolves
Monday 8 December 2025 22:14 , Mike JonesWolves’ haul of only two points in the Premier League this season is the joint-lowest tally after 15 games of a campaign in the history of the top four tiers, level with Sheffield United in the Premier League in 2020-21, Southport in 1975-76 in the Fourth Division and Barrow and Newport County in 1970-71 in the Fourth Division.
Wolves to outdo Derby?
Monday 8 December 2025 22:10 , Mike JonesDerby County had six points at this stage of their record-breaking 11-point season in 2007-08.
Wolves only have two. Will they finish with fewer points than Derby?
FT Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 22:06 , Mike JonesWolves are on two points from 15 games - a full 13 points adrift of safety.
It is already mathematically confirmed that they will be bottom of the table at Christmas.
They are almost certain to also be relegated this season unless Rob Edwards can perform a miracle to save them.
Full-time! Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 22:00 , Mike Jones90+9 mins: There goes the final whistle. It’s a rampant victory for Ruben Amorim’s side who jump from the bottom half of the table into sixth place.
A confidence building win for the Red Devils.
Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:55 , Mike Jones90+6 mins: A rare strike from Fer Lopez of Wolves sees the ball fly high over the crossbar.
It was sweetly struck but always rising from outside the penalty area.
Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:50 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Can Man Utd score again?
The battle for the European spots seems close this season and goal difference could be a big factor.
They don’t have a strong one at present and should be trying to up it against a poor Wolves side.
Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:49 , Mike Jones90 mins: Nine minutes of added time to play!
Everyone in the ground seemed shocked by that and there’s a collective groan from the Wolves fans.
Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:48 , Mike Jones88 mins: Manchester United are enjoying themselves now.
They’re knocking the ball around slickly and with confidence.
Two minutes of the 90 to go before added time.
Wolves 1-4 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:43 , Mike Jones85 mins: Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount are the next two players to be taken off by Ruben Amorim.
On come Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu.
It’s been a good outing for Man Utd tonight. Just the performance and result they needed to breed confidence into the team.
GOAL! Wolves 1-4 Man Utd (Bruno Fernandes, 82')
Monday 8 December 2025 21:40 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes laces the penalty into the bottom left hand corner!
Sam Johnstone leaps the right way but the penalty is right in the corner and United’s lead is extended.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:39 , Mike Jones80 mins: Penalty to Manchester United!
Mosquera is judged to have leant into the block and touched the ball with the top of his right arm.
The movement towards the ball has convinced the VAR, and referee, to award the spot kick.
A harsh one for me.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:38 , Mike Jones79 mins: There’s a handball VAR check after Amad takes a shot from just inside the goal.
Mosquera is the defender who blocks the effort and the review is ongoing...
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:37 , Mike Jones78 mins: Ruben Amorim now makes a rare substitution and brings on Kobbie Mainoo in the place of Casemiro.
Mainoo receives a huge cheer from the watching Man Utd supporters. There’s been plenty of talk about his game time and he has around 15 minutes or so to impress the manager.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:35 , Mike Jones76 mins: Mason Mount is dragged down just outside the Wolves penalty area and there’s a few players interested in the resultant free kick.
Mount and Fernandes are the two left over the ball. Fernandes takes it and a slight touch off the wall takes the ball over the crossbar!
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:31 , Mike Jones73 mins: Emmanuel Agbadou gets on the end of a cross but can only loop the ball into the hands of Senne Lammens.
It never looked like troubling the goalkeeper and Lammens scooped it up easily enough.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:29 , Mike Jones70 mins: Wolves bring on Mateus Mane, Tolu Arokodare, Hwang Hee-chan and Hugo Bueno.
Ki-Jana Hoever, Toti, Jhon Arias and Jorgen Strand Larsen are the ones replaced.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:28 , Mike Jones69 mins: Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are replaced by Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro for Manchester United.
Matheus Cunha has had eight shots in this game already (two on target) and no goals.
He did supply the assist for the opening goal though.
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:26 , Mike JonesOnly Mohamed Salah (27) and Kevin de Bruyne (17) have both scored and assisted in the same game more often in the Premier League since his debut in February 2020 than Bruno Fernandes (16).
Wolves 1-3 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:25 , Mike Jones66 mins: Save!
Fernandes clips another fine effort into the penalty area and this time picks out Cunha.
He throws his head at the ball and powers a shot towards goal only for Johnstone to stick out a hand and guide it away!
GOAL! Wolves 1-3 Man Utd (Mason Mount, 62')
Monday 8 December 2025 21:22 , Mike JonesThere it is!
United get forward on the break and Bruno Fernandes’ shot is blocked.
The Man Utd captain receives the ball back outside the box and dinks a pass over the defence.
Mason Mount makes the run in behind and volleys home a well-taken guided effort.
Wolves 1-2 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played at Molineux and Manchester United are starting to slacken off yet again.
Ruben Amorim will want a two-goal cushion at least. He knows his team are defensively vulnerable and it’s been proven multiple times tonight already.
Wolves 1-2 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:16 , Mike Jones56 mins: Man Utd are worried again when Wolves work the ball into the penalty area.
This time though Luke Shaw manages to nod a clearance away.
The hosts have responded positively to going behind. Wolves certainly think they can beat United tonight.
Wolves 1-2 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:15 , Mike JonesOnly against Brighton and Southampton (eight each) does Bryan Mbeumo have more Premier League goal involvements against a side than Wolves (six - four goals, two assists).
GOAL! Wolves 1-2 Man Utd (Bryan Mbeumo, 52')
Monday 8 December 2025 21:13 , Mike JonesLead restored!
Wolves push too high and lose possession of the ball. Diogo Dalot runs in behind and draws out the goalkeeper before slotting a pass to Bryan Mbeumo.
He says ‘thanks a lot’ and rolls the ball into the empty net.
The pressure tells on Wolves.
Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:07 , Mike Jones48 mins: Fernandes swings in another Man Utd corner. It’s a deep one, towards Dalot, but Wolves handle it well.
The visitors recover the ball and come forward again. Casemiro curls a pass in towards Mount who tumbles on his way into the penalty area.
Second half! Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:06 , Mike JonesCunha has an immediate chance at the start of the half having been fed the ball by Amad.
He shoots from the edge of the box but lifts his effort high and wide.
HT Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 21:02 , Mike JonesBellegarde’s equaliser was Wolves’ first goal in nine hours of Premier League football.
Can they get a second and go on to win this game?
HT Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:58 , Mike Jones
HT Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:54 , Mike JonesManchester United have dominated that first half but they’re only level in the game.
14 shots with five on target for the visitors and only three shots with one on target for Wolves.
Both goals were scrappy but the equaliser may bring an added dimension to the second half.
Half-time! Wolves 1-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:49 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: Bruno Fernandes shakes his head as the teams head down the tunnel.
It’s all square and anyone’s match now.
GOAL! Wolves 1-1 Man Utd (Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, 45+2')
Monday 8 December 2025 20:48 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
A cross comes into the box from the right and it’s controlled by David Møller Wolfewho pulls it back to Bellegarde.
He decides to shoot straight away and toes the effort into the far bottom corner!
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:46 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:41 , Mike Jones42 mins: Wolves are creating better chances now.
They’re quick on the break and their attackers are all sharper than United’s back three.
A few crosses come into the area but there’s no joy for the hosts.
Andre finds Bellegarde on the left side, he jigs to the right and opens up space before whipping a shot well wide of the target.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:38 , Mike Jones39 mins: Bruno Fernandes plays a short corner to Amad then lifts in a cross from a better angle.
Johnstone deals with this one but the ball comes back to Amad.
He shoots and strikes Agbadou on the arm. It’s high up on the air so a VAR handball check is over quickly.
United have another corner. This time Wolves clear it well and pile pressure on Mbeumo who loses possession.
He chases after the ball and commits a foul earning himself a yellow card.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:36 , Mike Jones36 mins: Toti to the rescue!
Dalot plays a lovely pass into the box with the outside of his right boot and he’s on target to find Cunha.
Toti gets to the ball first however and toes it behind for a corner.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:34 , Mike Jones33 mins: Man Utd need a second goal. There’s some wind in Wolves’ sails now but they’ve been the second best side so far.
United have already had enough chances to put the game to bed and they haven’t taken them.
Senne Lammens plucks a cross from out of the air and lands heavily on the floor.
He’s judged to have been fouled too so United have a free kick.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:32 , Mike Jones31 mins: Heaven looks as though he may have fouled Arias who’s trying to get on the end of a through ball.
The Wolves attacked goes down on the edge of the box but the referee isn’t interested. He thinks about kicking off but the offside flag has been raised who puts a halt to his protests.
Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:29 , Mike Jones28 mins: Chances!
Fernandes plays in Bryan Mbeumo whose effort is blocked by the goalkeeper.
The ball deflects to Cunha who drills his own shot at goal but that get’s cleared off the line!
The ball drops to Amad and he scuffs his own shot just wide of the near post.
United are hungry for more goals.
GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Man Utd (Bruno Fernandes, 25')
Monday 8 December 2025 20:26 , Mike JonesJust!
Manchester United get the ball into the back of the net and it’s a scrappy one.
Andre gives the ball away to Matheus Cunha who holds it up and slips it to Bruno Fernandes in the box.
The United captain slips but manages to turn a shot at goal from off the floor.
Sam Johnstone gets a hand to it but can’t keep it out and United take the lead!
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:22 , Mike Jones23 mins: Bruno Fernandes slips the ball to Cunha who dribbles into the box and tries to shake off a couple of defenders.
Cunha manages to pull the ball back from the byline but can’t pick out a teammate and Wolves boot the ball clear.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:20 , Mike Jones21 mins: A nicely timed tackle from Arias sees him come away with the ball high up the pitch.
He toes it up to Strand Larsen who weaves into the box but the forward can’t do much with the ball before he loses possession.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:18 , Mike Jones18 mins: The tempo is quite slow, for Premier League standards.
Mason Mount is fouled by Andre just inside Wolves’ half and United sweep the ball out to the right.
Amad pulls it back to Mount who feeds it to Cunha. He shoots but the effort gets blocked.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:16 , Mike Jones15 mins: Quarter of an hour played at Molineux. Wolves’ corner kick is headed clear by Casemiro who’s seen plenty of the ball so far.
Both managers look deep in thought on the touchline. Neither side has taken control yet.
The Wolves fans are now making their way into the stadium. There are a substantial amount of them as they avoided the first 15 minutes in protest to the direction the owners are taking the club.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:14 , Mike Jones12 mins: Bellegarde and Casemiro both dangle their legs at a dropping ball and collide with each other.
The Man Utd man seems to come off worse but he’s okay to play on.
A bit of possession for Wolves now. They play a long ball forward, to Bellegarde, who tries to find Strand Larsen in the box.
Ayden Heaven is there to intercept and he pokes the ball behind for a corner.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:10 , Mike Jones10 mins: Another corner from Fernandes brings the goalkeeper out but he misses the ball this time.
Amad Diallo recycles the ball and Wolves are frenetic in their attempts to clear the danger.
They manage it though. Bright start from United this.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:08 , Mike Jones8 mins: Man Utd are the men in possession and Casemiro tries to beat the press with a pass to Dalot on the left wing.
The pass is blocked and United are then awarded a free kick. Casemiro takes it as Dalot stays high and remains onside.
The ball is knocked over the top where the wingback brings it under control.
He drives into the box and shoots but Johnstone gets a hand to the ball and turns it wide!
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:05 , Mike Jones5 mins: Casemiro switches the ball out to Mount to plays it behind for Diogo Dalot’s forward run.
United maintain possession as Wolves are forced deeped. A big deflection brings the first corner of the game for United.
Bruno Fernandes jogs over to take the set piece. He whips it into the middle of the box Sam Johnstone punches it away.
Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:02 , Mike Jones3 mins: Matheus Cunha receives a very slight boo as he collects the ball and spins towards goal.
He plays it inside to Bruno Fernandes who miscues an attempted threaded pass to play Mason Mount in behind.
A sedate start to this one.
Kick off! Wolves 0-0 Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 20:01 , Mike JonesMan Utd get the ball rolling and work it out to the left side of the pitch.
They can’t pick out one of the forward line and possession goes to the hosts.
Wolves vs Man Utd
Monday 8 December 2025 19:56 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at Molineux. This is a big game for both teams who could do with three points.
Who will take them?
Kick off is up next...
Cunha to hurt his old club?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:50 , Mike JonesMan Utd’s Matheus Cunha has been involved in 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances at Molineux (6 goals, 5 assists), scoring and assisting a goal in this exact fixture for Wolves last season.
A long run of defeats
Monday 8 December 2025 19:45 , Mike JonesWolves have lost each of their last seven Premier League games, failing to score in each of the last five.
In their league history, they’ve only lost eight in a row once (December 1981 to February 1982), while this is their longest run of defeats without a goal.
Fernandes to shine tonight?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:40 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes has assisted in each of his last four away Premier League appearances, registering five assists.
The Manchester United captain is looking to become the fifth player to assist in five away games in a row, after Muzzy Izzet in 2003, Cesc Fàbregas in 2014-15, Gerard Deulofeu in 2015 and Mohamed Salah in 2023.
United to win on the road again?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:35 , Mike JonesManchester United are unbeaten in four away Premier League matches (won two, drawn two), having gone eight without a win on the road beforehand.
They last had a longer unbeaten away run between November and February in the 2021-22 campaign (seven).
‘Angry’ Ruben Amorim rejects Man United accusation after latest setback against West Ham
Monday 8 December 2025 19:30 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim made his anger and frustration clear after his maddening Manchester United team blew a lead in the Old Trafford draw against struggling West Ham.
A promising five-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt in their last home outing 10 days ago when Everton eked out a 1-0 victory against the uninspiring hosts.
United responded with a 2-1 comeback win at Crystal Palace on Sunday but failed to build on that result back at Old Trafford.
‘Angry’ Ruben Amorim rejects Man United accusation after latest setback
A day to forget
Monday 8 December 2025 19:25 , Mike JonesWolves have won just one of their last 10 Monday night games in the Premier League (two draw, seven defeats) and are winless in six since a 2-1 win against Everton in November 2021.
Wolves to inflict damage on Red Devils?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:20 , Mike JonesMan Utd have only ever lost eight Premier League games against sides starting the day bottom of the table.
However, 25% of these (2/8) have been against Wolves at Molineux.
Good signs for United?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:15 , Mike JonesManchester United lost this exact fixture 2-0 last season but haven’t lost consecutive league visits against Wolves at Molineux since August 1980.
Can Wolves beat United again?
Monday 8 December 2025 19:10 , Mike JonesWolves did the Premier League double over Manchester United last season, as many victories as they’d managed in their previous 14 against the Red Devils (won two, drew three, lost nine).
Wolves vs Man Utd line-ups
Monday 8 December 2025 19:07 , Mike JonesWolves XI: Johnstone; Hoever, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti; Wolfe, Andre, Krecji; Bellegarde, Strand Larsen, Arias
2️⃣ Two changes from Forest
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 8, 2025
🇨🇿 Krejci returns
🇳🇱 Hoever comes in at RWB
Our line-up to take on @ManUtd 📋 pic.twitter.com/oivdbO0V0u
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha
U-N-I-T-E-D 🌓 pic.twitter.com/rZ6R5gxza3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2025
Diogo Dalot: Manchester United squad must become ‘more obsessed’ with success
Monday 8 December 2025 19:05 , Chris WilsonDiogo Dalot says Manchester United’s players need to become “more obsessed” about representing the club and leading it to success.
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils looked to have put a wretched 2024/25 season and stumbling start to this campaign behind them during a promising five-match unbeaten run.
But a pair of Old Trafford setbacks either side of last weekend’s comeback win at Crystal Palace have darkened the mood, with the shock 1-0 loss to 10-man Everton compounded on Thursday evening.
Diogo Dalot: Manchester United squad must become ‘more obsessed’ with success
A not so Merry Christmas
Monday 8 December 2025 19:00 , Mike JonesManchester United have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games in December (one draw, five defeats), beating Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad last year.
Man Utd team news ahead of line-ups
Monday 8 December 2025 18:40 , Mike JonesMan Utd will once again be without Benjamin Sesko as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Harry Maguire remains out until next week at the earliest.
United will have to make a late assessment on both Matthijs de Ligt – who missed the draw with West Ham – and Diogo Dalot, both of whom Amorim said should be available.
Wolves team news ahead of line-ups
Monday 8 December 2025 18:35 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next 10 minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Rodrigo Gomes and Leon Chiwome are the long-term absentees for the hosts, with neither back until next year, while the lay-off windows for Fernando Lopez and Marshall Munetsi are unsure after respective adductor and calf strains. Daniel Bentley is still “a few weeks away” from a return too.
Joao Gomes will be suspended after picking up another yellow last time out against Forest, and while Ladislav Krejci is edging closer to a return after a knee injury, this match may come too soon for him.
Are United's players fatigued?
Monday 8 December 2025 18:30 , Mike Jones“No, I don't know,” replied Ruben Amorim when asked that question.
“Maybe it's more tactical than physical, to be prepared for fighting for the second ball.
“Maybe because we score a goal, we are a little bit more relaxed.
“I have the feeling that we had the game [against West Ham] under control because the opponent is not even near our box. I don't know. I have to check."
'We've got to control the things we can control'
Monday 8 December 2025 18:24 , Mike JonesEdwards has taken over Wolves in a sticky spot with the club rock bottom of the Premier League with only two points on the board.
He revealed: “We're in this bad, bad situation, but how do you want this to go? Do you want to fade away, or do you want to fight?
“There are things in our control, that we can do. Fighting, running hard, winning duels, those sorts of things are in our control. You can't control a win, but you can control the other side, intensity, how often you run forward. Are you sprinting back? Are you trying to take risks? Are you trying to be brave?
“We saw that on the weekend, and we didn't see it on Wednesday. We’ve got to control the things we can control at the moment, and hopefully then results will come. That's the biggest message.”
Rob Edwards on Manchester United
Monday 8 December 2025 18:18 , Mike JonesHere’s some pre-match thoughts from Wolves manager Rob Edwards:
“They've got loads of really good players. Like every team, they'll have a clear way of playing, and we'll be able to have a really good look at it, but I need to focus on us, and I need to see us.
“We’ve got to turn up.
“We’ve got to expect the best Manchester United to turn up, and we have got to. I don’t want to see what we saw on Wednesday’s first half.”
Head-to-head
Monday 8 December 2025 18:12 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 98 times in the past, with Man Utd winning 47, Wolves winning 34 and 17 ending as draws.
Wolves won both matches last season, beating United 2-0 at home on Boxing Day before securing a double over Ruben Amorim’s side with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in April.
'We are not getting the results'
Monday 8 December 2025 18:06 , Mike JonesManchester United had failed to push on this season when they’ve had opportunities to move up the table.
It’s a frustrating thing for Amorim who has yet to discern a reason for the fumbling nature of their performances.
“I don't know. I think it's a clear fact, but I think it's not a mental thing,” Amorim said,
“I think they are not thinking, ‘We are going to top five’. No, no. I think it's some moments we play good, sometimes we play bad and we are not getting the results.”
Ruben Amorim explains why he isn’t picking Kobbie Mainoo after criticism over selections
Monday 8 December 2025 18:00 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim has defended his decision to marginalise Kobbie Mainoo by saying he does not pick the Manchester United team on the basis of big names and cannot choose players just because they are England internationals.
Mainoo is one of only four senior players in Amorim’s squad who are yet to start a Premier League match this season, along with third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, Tyrell Malacia — who was not even training with the first team in the summer —and Lisandro Martinez, who is just back from a long-term injury.
Amorim has preferred a partnership of captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield, but has also opted for Manuel Ugarte ahead of Mainoo.
Ruben Amorim explains why he isn’t picking Kobbie Mainoo after criticism
Wolves will be 'a tough match'
Monday 8 December 2025 17:52 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim also spoke about the preparations for tonight’s Premier League clash with Wolves and admitted that ‘anything can happen’.
“Everything can happen, and that will change,” said the United manager.
“There is no team in the Premier League history that didn't win one game. So, it can be any game.
“So, we need to try to improve, to rest the players, work really well, and prepare a tough match because, with us, it’s always a tough match.”
Roy Keane rages at Manchester United attitude after draw against West Ham
Monday 8 December 2025 17:45 , Chris WilsonRoy Keane has criticised the attitude of Manchester United’s players, not for the first time, following the side’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.
Man United led the Hammers 1-0 on Thursday, when defender Diogo Dalot struck just before the hour mark in the Premier League clash.
But Soungoutou Magassa equalised for the visitors inside the final 10 minutes, snatching a draw for a relegation-threatened West Ham at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane rages at Manchester United attitude after draw against West Ham
Amorim on why Mainoo isn't starting
Monday 8 December 2025 17:37 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim was asked why Kobbie Mainoo wasn’t getting the opportunities to start in midfield this season.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Man Utd boss replied: “I see it. I see it, and I just want to win. I try to put the players... I don't look who it is. I don't care about that.
“I'm just trying to put the best players on the pitch. You have [Manuel] Ugarte that played two games.
“One of them, Case was out. Bruno is always fit [and] is the guy that is doing his position. So maybe it has to do with that."
Man United fans boo after West Ham steal away vital Premier League points
Monday 8 December 2025 17:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from United’s hapless draw last time out...
For about 25 minutes, the league table had an unusually pleasing look for Manchester United. It isn’t something that could be said often in Ruben Amorim’s reign but they would surely have settled for it staying that way for the rest of the season. They were fifth, level on points with Chelsea, on course for a return to the Champions League, if scarcely playing like a team who belonged among the European elite.
And then they contrived to lose a lead at Old Trafford to a team in the bottom three. Amorim pronounced himself “frustrated and angry”. He was not alone. Boos greeted the final whistle. United are eighth, a return of one win from their last five games and their habit of drawing from winning positions means they are missing opportunities to be rather higher in the table. A return of one point from home matches against 10-man Everton and relegation-threatened West Ham is unsatisfactory. So, too, a record of only winning one second half this season. “We need to be better in the second halves,” said Amorim. And perhaps in the first halves, too.
Man United fans boo as West Ham steal away vital Premier League points
How can I watch it?
Monday 8 December 2025 17:25 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6.30pm.
Subscribers can also stream the action online via NOWTV. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
When is Wolves vs Man Utd?
Monday 8 December 2025 17:20 , Chris WilsonThe match is scheduled to take place on Monday, 8 December at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton. Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT.
Predicted line-ups
Monday 8 December 2025 17:10 , Chris WilsonWolves XI: Johnstone; Mosquera, Agbadou, Gomes; Tchatchoua, Andre, Gomes, Wolfe; Arias, Strand Larsen, Bellegarde.
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Mbeumo, Cunha; Zirkzee.
Man Utd team news
Monday 8 December 2025 17:05 , Chris WilsonManchester United will once again be without Benjamin Sesko as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Harry Maguire remains out until next week at the earliest.
United will have to make a late assessment on both Matthijs de Ligt – who missed the draw with West Ham – and Diogo Dalot, both of whom Amorim said should be available.
Wolves team news
Monday 8 December 2025 17:02 , Chris WilsonRodrigo Gomes and Leon Chiwome are the long-term absentees for the hosts, with neither back until next year, while the lay-off windows for Fernando Lopez and Marshall Munetsi are unsure after respective adductor and calf strains. Daniel Bentley is still “a few weeks away” from a return too.
Joao Gomes will be suspended after picking up another yellow last time out against Forest, and while Ladislav Krejci is edging closer to a return after a knee injury, this match may come too soon for him.
Good evening
Monday 8 December 2025 16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Wolves and Manchester United.
Monday Night Football pits Ruben Amorim’s side against the team at the bottom of the league.
United’s latest disappointing result saw the hapless hosts draw to West Ham after a late equaliser from Soungoutou Magassa, and while the visitors entered the weekend in eighth and just two points off the top four, it is clear that a continuation of recent performances will not be enough to secure European football.
Thankfully for Amorim, the next match comes against the side that is rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, with Wolves having secured just two points so far this term.
The arrival of Rob Edwards as manager has not seen an upturn in results, though United will be wary of the opposition after losing to Wolves in this fixture last year not long after the arrival of Vitor Pereira.
