In a tightly contested match at Old Trafford on October 5, 2023, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers ended their Premier League encounter in a 1-1 draw. The game featured a first-half goal from United’s Joshua Zirkzee that was deflected off Ladislav Krejci, only for Krejci to redeem himself by heading Wolves level just before the interval. Despite several opportunities in the second half, neither team could find a winner, but the draw marked a significant turnaround for Wolves, halting an eleven-match losing streak.
The match began with both teams showing a cautious approach. Wolves, managed by Gary Edwards, made two changes to their squad, adapting to injuries that left them with a youthful bench. Santi Bueno was sidelined due to a dead leg, replaced by Jackson Tchatchoua, while the suspended Andre was substituted by Jhon Arias. This left Wolves with just one recognized midfielder, Joao Gomes, flanked by attackers Arias and Mateus Mane.
For Manchester United, Ruben Amorim made a solitary change from the team that secured a victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day. Zirkzee stepped in for the injured Mason Mount. United also fielded a notably young bench, with several senior players absent.
The first half unfolded in a relatively uneventful manner until the 27th minute when Wolves conceded a preventable goal. Following a lapse in possession, Zirkzee capitalized on a defensive scramble, his shot taking a significant deflection off Krejci, leaving Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa with no chance.
As the match progressed, Wolves began to assert their presence. They came close to equalizing when Hwang Hee-chan curled a shot over the bar after a well-constructed play. United, meanwhile, looked to extend their lead, with Benjamin Sesko heading a cross from Patrick Dorgu straight at Sa.
Just before half-time, Wolves’ persistence paid off. Zirkzee inadvertently flicked on a header, allowing Krejci to nod home from close range, leveling the match at 1-1. The goal brought a wave of relief to the visiting side, who were eager to break their lengthy winless streak.
As the second half commenced, both teams maintained their attacking intent. An early corner for United nearly resulted in a goal, but Diogo Dalot headed just wide. Wolves almost suffered a comical setback when Yerson Mosquera nearly scored an own goal with a poorly directed back pass, but Sa managed to recover just in time.
The match reached a critical moment in the 64th minute when Wolves had the best opportunity to take the lead. Matt Doherty flicked on a cross, allowing Krejci to unleash a shot that was brilliantly saved by United’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The rebound fell to Mosquera, who unfortunately dragged his effort wide.
As the game wore on, United began to dominate possession, but Wolves remained a threat on the counter. Tchatchoua set up Arias for another chance, which was deflected just wide. In a dramatic finish, Dorgu thought he had scored the winner in the 90th minute, but his effort was ruled offside.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought draw, giving Wolves their first point since October 5. The result not only ends a disheartening run of losses but also builds a foundation for further improvement under Edwards’ management.
