Manchester United missed yet another opportunity at Old Trafford to enhance their prospects of returning to the Champions League next season.
Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected goal put the Red Devils ahead, but Ladislav Krejci’s header ended Wolves’ 12-game losing streak, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Ruben Amorim’s side remains in sixth place, two points shy of the top four, after failing to secure a win for the fourth time in their last five home matches.
Amorim pointed out that his team “lacked quality” to break down a Wolves side still without a Premier League victory this season. Wolves managed to earn just their third point of the campaign.
United were without captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo due to injuries, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were absent because of their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We lack fluidity, quality, and the creation of chances, which led to conceding a goal from a set-piece,” said Amorim. “These details are crucial to winning games during tough moments.”
United remain in sixth place, two points outside the top four. They could have been well on track for a return to European football’s elite competition next season had they not failed to win four of their last five home games. However, Amorim is optimistic that his team will finish the season strongly once their key players are back fit and available.
“I believe we are in a situation where many players are out simultaneously. Of course, playing Casemiro and (Manuel) Ugarte in midfield is different from having Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, or Bruno Fernandes, which is normal. We just need to get our players back, including those returning from AFCON, and then the fluidity will improve,” he said. “I’m very confident that once we recover all the players, we will be a strong team, without a doubt.”