Wolves end Rangnick’s unbeaten run
Wolves pulled off a remarkable upset at Old Trafford on Monday night, as they beat Manchester United 1-0 with a late goal from Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese midfielder scored with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 82nd minute, after a clever pass from Adama Traore. The goal ended Ralf Rangnick’s unbeaten start as interim Manchester United manager, and left the hosts 22 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Wolves defended resolutely throughout the game, frustrating United’s attack and limiting them to few clear chances. The visitors also posed a threat on the counter-attack, with Traore and Daniel Podence causing problems for United’s defence. Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa made some crucial saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half.
Wolves climb to eighth in the table
The victory was Wolves’ first at Old Trafford since 1980, and their first away win against United in the Premier League era. It also lifted them to eighth in the table, three points behind United and level with West Ham. Wolves have now won four of their last six games, and have kept 11 clean sheets this season – the most in the league.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil praised his team’s performance and said they deserved the win. He also hailed Moutinho’s goal as “world class” and said he was proud of his players. O’Neil took charge of Wolves last week, after Julen Lopetegui quit his job just six days before the start of the season. He said he was happy with how the team had adapted to his style and philosophy.
United suffer another setback
For United, it was another disappointing result that exposed their lack of cohesion and creativity. The Red Devils have now won only one of their last five games in all competitions, and have slipped to fifth in the table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. They have also scored only 10 goals in their last 10 games, and have failed to score more than once in a game since Rangnick took over.
United fans expressed their frustration and booed the team at the final whistle. Rangnick admitted that his team lacked intensity and quality, and said they needed to improve quickly. He also said he was not concerned about his future, and that he was focused on helping the team get back on track.
Moutinho’s goal sparks wild celebrations
The highlight of the game was Moutinho’s stunning goal, which sparked wild celebrations among the Wolves players and fans. The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined Wolves from Monaco in 2018, scored his third goal of the season and his first against United. He said he was very happy to score such a beautiful goal, and that it was a special moment for him and the team.
Moutinho’s goal was also praised by pundits and fans on social media, who hailed it as one of the best goals of the season. Some compared it to Paul Scholes’ famous volley against Aston Villa in 2006, while others called it a “rocket” and a “screamer”. Moutinho’s goal was also voted as the goal of the week by BBC Sport.
