Wolverhampton Wanderers stunned Manchester United with a clinical 1-0 away win that left the home side fuming at their missed chances and wayward finishing. It was a game where the stats screamed United, but the scoreboard grinned back at Wolves.

Match Overview

United had 57% possession, 10 shots, and 9 corners. Wolves? Just 4 shots, 2 on target—and one big goal from Pablo Sarabia in the 77th minute. It was the only true opening they had, but it was enough to hand Wolves all three points and silence Old Trafford.

Expected goals (xG) told the tale:

Man United xG: 1.13

Wolves xG: 0.48

But football isn’t played on spreadsheets—and Wolves cashed in on their single big moment.

Momentum & xG: United Pushed, Wolves Pounced

The xG timeline shows a slow burn for both sides, but United had the better of possession and gradual buildup. However, they failed to capitalize, with most of their threat coming in the final quarter of the match. Wolves, meanwhile, struck during one of their few ventures forward, with Sarabia curling home a low xG strike (0.16) that was pure quality.

United’s xG graph shows a lot of buildup with no pay-off. Wolves’ graph is almost flat—except that one jagged leap straight into celebration.

Shot Maps: Misses, Blocks, and One Clean Finish

Manchester United’s shot map was the stuff of frustration:

10 total shots

Just 1 on target

A spread of attempts from outside the box

xG of 1.13 with nothing to show for it

Wolves’ shot map was minimalist:

4 total shots

Only 2 on target

1 goal

xG of 0.48, but one perfect chance executed

In Possession: Wolves Vertical and Sharp, United Lacked Bite

Wolves’ pass map shows a compact midfield with João Gomes and André acting as the springboard between defense and a three-pronged forward line. Rayan Aït-Nouri offered width, while Matheus Cunha supported Strand Larsen as the central threat.

United’s map was more expansive. Lindelöf and Ugarte funneled balls into a busy midfield, but there was a breakdown in the final third. Garnacho and Højlund had little link-up, and the wide play from Dorgu and Amass never really stretched Wolves. Possession without incision.

Final Thoughts

Wolves were clinical, organized, and ruthless. United? Wasteful and out of ideas by the end. It’s a performance that will frustrate the home fans, but one that shows Wolves still have teeth when it matters.

? United dominate stats.
? Wolves take the points.