Stand-in Manchester United captain Lisandro Martinez expressed the frustration of players and fans alike after the 1-1 home draw against Wolves.
“The lads are very disappointed,” Martinez said. “We expect better.” United supporters, who booed their team off at full-time, certainly share that sentiment.
Wolves, who had lost 11 consecutive league games before Tuesday, earned their first point since October, continuing their record-low Premier League campaign. United struggled to create opportunities, with Ruben Amorim making defensive substitutions late in the game instead of bringing on teenage forwards Chido Obi and Shea Lacey.
United’s home form has been patchy, with recent results including a loss to 10-man Everton, a failure to beat West Ham, and conceding four goals to Bournemouth. A win against Newcastle on Boxing Day was a rare highlight.
Despite the struggles, United remain sixth in the Premier League table, behind Chelsea only on goal difference. They cannot drop lower than seventh at the start of 2026.
Amorim acknowledged the team’s absences, including Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo, all missing due to injuries or international duty. The lack of creativity has been apparent, with Matheus Cunha underperforming and Benjamin Sesko still adapting. Joshua Zirkzee, a £36.5m signing, was the only viable attacking option, despite being substituted at halftime after scoring a deflected opener.
“Today, we could win but we had a lack of fluidity, a lack of quality and a lack of creation of chances,” Amorim admitted. He remains confident that once the squad is fully available, the team will be stronger.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already expressed concern over the amount spent on players who are not contributing effectively. The performance against Wolves underlines the importance of winter transfer decisions for United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
