Manchester United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Manchester United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute when Joshua Zirkzee found the net, capitalising on their early possession edge after a mixed run that included a recent 4-1 win over Wolves but also a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. Wolves, struggling with four straight losses before this, fought back just before the break as Ladislav Krejci equalised in the 45th minute, shifting momentum slightly in their favour heading into half-time.

The second half saw Manchester United make a change at the interval with J. Fletcher replacing Joshua Zirkzee, followed by double substitutions in the 75th minute as Bendito Mantato came on for Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro for Ayden Heaven. Wolves picked up yellow cards for Jackson Tchatchoua in the 63rd minute and later for substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen in stoppage time, while making their own changes including Jørgen Strand Larsen for Tolu Arokodare at 64 minutes. A late VAR check involving Patrick Dorgu in the 90+1st minute came to nothing, and despite United’s push, the game ended level, reflecting Wolves’ resilience amid their poor form and United’s inability to build on their recent home win over Newcastle.

Manchester United edged possession at 56% to Wolves’ 44%, which allowed them more control in midfield and led to twice as many corners with eight compared to four, pointing to sustained pressure on the visitors’ defence. Both sides were close in successful dribbles, with United at 45 and Wolves at 42, suggesting Wolves remained a threat on the counter despite less of the ball.

Discipline tilted towards Wolves with two yellow cards and no reds on either side, while each team used three substitutions without any assists or penalties recorded, keeping the game tight and decided by individual moments rather than set pieces or spot-kicks. The substitutions saw United refresh their lineup mid-second half, while Wolves adjusted later, including a very late change in added time.

The match turned on two first-half goals, with Joshua Zirkzee putting Manchester United ahead in the 27th minute before Ladislav Krejci levelled for Wolves in the 45th, ensuring a balanced contest after the break. Wolves’ discipline issues added tension, as Jackson Tchatchoua picked up a yellow in the 63rd minute, followed by Jørgen Strand Larsen’s booking in the 90+5th after coming on earlier.

Substitutions played a role in shaping the second half, starting with J. Fletcher replacing Joshua Zirkzee for United at 46 minutes, and later Bendito Mantato for Manuel Ugarte alongside Leny Yoro for Ayden Heaven at 75 minutes. Wolves responded by bringing on Jørgen Strand Larsen for Tolu Arokodare at 64 minutes, Fer López for Hee-chan Hwang at 88 minutes, and David Møller Wolfe for Jhon Arias in the 90+5th, while a VAR review on Patrick Dorgu in the 90+1st minute didn’t alter the scoreline.

Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line effectively until his substitution and Manuel Ugarte providing midfield stability before making way. The setup allowed for attacking width, highlighted by Zirkzee’s goal, while defensive partnerships held firm despite late changes involving Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

Wolverhampton Wanderers deployed a 3-5-2 formation, relying on wing-backs like Jhon Arias for width until his late exit, with Ladislav Krejci stepping up in attack to score. The system suited their counter-attacking style, though substitutions such as Jørgen Strand Larsen for Tolu Arokodare and Fer López for Hee-chan Hwang aimed to maintain energy in the forward areas.

José Sá earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match for Wolverhampton Wanderers with a solid display in goal, making five saves while conceding just one, alongside five clearances and two punches that helped repel United’s pressure.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Newcastle United (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Aston Villa (A)
• Draw: 4-4 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)
• Win: 4-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Manchester United (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Liverpool (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Brentford (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Arsenal (A)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Manchester United (H)

Manchester United have just drawn 1-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving them sixth on 30 points after a run that includes a win over Newcastle but also a loss to Aston Villa. They now face Leeds United on 2026-01-04 at 12:30, with the visitors 16th on 20 points, offering a chance to solidify their push for European spots against a side scrapping to climb away from the bottom half.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have just drawn 1-1 away to Manchester United, a rare point in a dismal streak of four prior losses including heavy defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. Sitting bottom at 20th on three points, they host West Ham United on 2026-01-03 at 15:00, with the opponents 18th on 14 points, making this a crucial relegation battle where Wolves desperately need a win to start closing the gap.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.