Man Utd 0-1 Wolves: Player ratings as Moutinho winner stuns Old Trafford

Moutinho scored the winner for Wolves
Moutinho scored the winner for Wolves / Matthew Ashton - AMA/GettyImages
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Joao Moutinho struck late on to earn Wolves a brilliant and deserved victory at Manchester United on Monday night - their first win at Old Trafford in 40 years.

The Portuguese midfielder latched onto the ball on the edge of the area and fired a low strike into the corner beyond David de Gea, who had kept United in the game in the first half with a string of important saves.

Wolves were the better side in the early exchanges and tested De Gea a few times, with Ruben Neves in particular going close with a well-struck volley which the Spaniard needed to flick over the bar.

United struggled with the basics throughout the game, misplacing simple passes and being closed down by an eager Wolves midfield.

The Red Devils improved with Bruno Fernandes' introduction from the bench as he hit the bar before Cristiano Ronaldo had a header disallowed for offside.

However, United could not take advantage of the momentum swing and Wolves took the lead in the final ten minutes when Moutinho scored his first Premier League goal of the season.

The victory moves Bruno Lage's side up into eighth, just three points behind United in seventh.


Manchester United player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Phil Jones
Jones returned to United's starting XI / Matthew Ashton - AMA/GettyImages

David de Gea (GK) - 8/10 - Good stop from Podence and an even better one to deny Neves. Was the only thing stopping Wolves from going ahead during the first half.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - 4/10 - Got in a few times down the right but his final ball was often lacking. Starting to look a little out of his depth - one highlight reel moment when he kicked the ball with his standing foot and booted it out for a goal kick immediately did the rounds on social media, and not for a good reason.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 6/10 - Looked the wobblier of the two in central defence.

Phil Jones (CB) - 7/10 - Started for the first time since January 2020 and was United's best performer in a first half which Wolves largely controlled, making some important blocks. Header went straight to Moutinho for the goal.

Luke Shaw (LB) - 6/10 - Blocked Trincao near the touchline to earn a booking. Made a good covering challenge to stop Jimenez converting.

2. Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM) - 6/10 - Clumsy challenge on Podence saw the Scotsman booked. Decent driving run nearly brought an opportunity but he was closed down.

Nemanja Matic (CM) - 5/10 - In the team to serve a specific function but was very slow around teammates who thrive on quick play and passing. Chopped down Traore and took a booking for the team.

Mason Greenwood (AM) - 6/10 - Great pass set up a decent chance for Sancho. One of United's more lively players but brought off in the second half for Fernandes.

Jadon Sancho (AM) - 5/10 - Had a good opportunity to slide in Ronaldo but took it on himself and saw his shot blocked. Looked dangerous but was guilty of overplaying and taking too long on the ball.

3. Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo had a frustrating evening / Matthew Ashton - AMA/GettyImages

Edinson Cavani (ST) - 4/10 - Blasted wildly over with his first opening from the edge of the box. Looked a little lost in a United team that struggled with their build-up play.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) - 4/10 - Nodded past Sa but saw it disallowed due to offside. Not a major influence on the game.

4. Substitutes

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - 6/10 - Smacked the bar when he should have scored moments after coming on. Did raise the tempo for United.

Marcus Rashford (RW) - 5/10 - Brought on as United chased goals but didn't have much of a telling impact.

Anthony Elanga (LW) - 5/10 - A tough scenario for a youngster to be brought into. Didn't get overly involved.


Wolves player ratings

5. Goalkeeper & defenders

Jose Sa
Sa made an important save in stoppage time / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Jose Sa (GK) - 6/10 - Wasn't tested by United in the first half. Wasn't much busier in the second period, though was given a scare by Fernandes rattling the crossbar. Made a big save at the end by denying Fernandes.

Max Kilman CB) - 8/10 - Dealt extremely well with Ronaldo and was always looking to bring the ball out from the back. Having an excellent season.

Conor Coady (CB) - 7/10 - Marshalled the Wolves backline well, though honestly wasn't given too much of a workout as United struggled to create openings.

Romain Saiss (CB) - 7/10 - Clipped the bar with a free kick from distance. Had a lot of the ball and usually used it well.

6. Midfielders & wing backs

Nelson Semedo (RWB) - 6/10 - Saw a strike repelled by De Gea. Found decent amounts of space out on the right.

Ruben Neves (CM) - 7/10 - Nearly opened the scoring with one of his trademark volleys from distance, but saw it tipped over by De Gea. Helped Moutinho keep control in midfield.

Joao Moutinho (CM) - 9/10 - Helped Wolves control good portions of the game alongside midfield partner Neves. Made a lot of interceptions and tackles. Took his goal with brilliant composure. A great ratty presence.

Marcal (LWB) - 6/10 - Made a few marauding runs down the left channel. Didn't always make the right decision in possession.

7. Forwards

Daniel Podence, Scott McTominay
Podence was excellent / Gareth Copley/GettyImages

Francisco Trincao (RW) - 6/10 - Fluttered around nicely on the wing without producing too much for his side. Brought off for Traore.

Raul Jimenez (ST) - 6/10 - Lashed a wild effort over the bar and then should have done better with a brilliant opportunity, heading wide when well placed. Couldn't find the breakthrough and was subbed off minutes before the goal came.

Daniel Podence (LW) - 8/10 - Very bright early on and tested De Gea on a few occasions. A decent outing and created some good chances.

8. Substitutes

Adama Traore (RW) - 6/10 - Scampered down the right in the build-up to Wolves' goal.

Fabio Silva (ST) - 6/10 - Kept the ball well a few passages before Moutinho struck.

Leander Dendoncker (CM) - 6/10 - Provided another beefy body in midfield.


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