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Manchester United, after winning three away matches on trot, failed to get past an exciting Wolverhampton Wanderers side at Old Trafford and lost two points, drawing 1-1 with the visitors. Fred opened the scoring for the hosts in the 18th minute and Joao Moutinho equalized for Wolves in the 53rd minute.
United were the better team overall and threatened the Wolves goal on several occasions, however, couldn't add up to their goal tally. Wolves, on the other hand, remained positive and earned a deserved point.
Here are the five talking points from the 1-1 draw.
Fred the Red arrives
The Brazilian midfielder, who joined Manchester United in the summer transfer window, scored his first goal for his new club and came close to scoring a second. Alongside Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini, Fred dominated the midfield against Wolves in the first half and deservedly got his name on the scoresheet.
In the 18th minute, Pogba rolled the ball delightfully in Fred's direction on the edge of the box and the Brazilian drilled it in the bottom right corner of Rui Patricio. Subsequently, in the dying embers of the first half, the Brazilian's free-kick was tipped onto the bar and over it by the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Fred was actively involved in United's attacks as well. With Fellaini dropping in deep to shield the defence, the duo of Fred and Pogba were allowed to drive forward and assist their attackers. He was taken off in the 62nd minute for Juan Mata.
United's complacency punished by Moutinho
The home side started the second half on the front foot. United's failure of killing out games has hurt them quite a few times in the recent past and the team looked determined to not let that happen against Wolves.
In their quest of driving players forward, United left gaps open at the back as an onrushing Joao Moutinho buried the ball in the top corner from Jimenez's cut-back in the 53rd minute.
Wolves, on the other hand, deserved the goal for their positivity throughout the encounter and the fact that they grew into the game despite playing away from home.
Sanchez no-show continues
United's blockbuster recruit in the January transfer window from Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez, has now gone 831 minutes without scoring a Premier League goal. The Chilean has one assist in five appearances in the PL this season to show for.
Though he was involved in an attack or two tonight, Sanchez failed to assert his authority and was taken off for Anthony Martial in the 62nd minute.
Wolves earn another impressive draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers, who ruled the Championship last season, have come to the country's best league and defied all odds within a month. After holding Manchester City for a 1-1 draw in August, they held their neighbours United for another draw with a similar scoreline.
Nuno Espírito Santo's side weren't afraid to play expansive football at United's home and deservedly earned the draw. Wolves are currently 10th on the table with 9 points.
United win three away
then
draw at home
After two consecutive losses against Brighton and Tottenham, United won three on the trot away from home - Burnley, Watford and Young Boys. Things were going uphill for the Mourinho-managed side, however, this draw brings everything back to square one.
Despite having one of the best attackers in the league at his disposal, United have failed to assert themselves on the opposition and need to find their way out of the muddle as soon as possible.
Time's running out for Mou!
