Wolves player ratings vs Man Utd: 'World-class' 9/10 and four 8s in Boxing Day victory

Wolves’ new head coach delivered belated Christmas cheer on his Molineux debut with a professional victory over the 10 men of Man Utd after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Matheus Cunha’s stunning 58th-minute goal directly from a corner and Hwang Hee-Chan’s late tap-in secured Wolves a deserved and valuable three points to move up to 17th in the Premier League. The jubilant mood within Molineux was utterly unrecognisable from the last days under Gary O’Neil as Wolves displayed renewed strength to dig in.

Wolves were the better side in the first half despite having less possession, Cunha the difference maker as he so often escaped United’s press on the half-turn. Wanderers had the best chance of the first 45, too, as Jorgen Strand Larsen saw a decent header into the ground saved acrobatically by Andre Onana.

It was a dream start to the second half for the Old Gold as Man Utd saw red, Fernandes dismissed for a second yellow. It was certainly a fair call from the referee as Fernandes fouled Nelson Semedo cynically, using his studs just above the ankle. Strand Larsen found the net just a few minutes later - converting from a Semedo cross - but the goal was disallowed for a narrow offside.

Cunha made the most of Wolves’ momentum by scoring for real just before the hour mark, incredibly finding the far top corner directly from the corner flag. The Brazilian’s inswinging delivery evaded the entire United defence, swinging all the way through and into the far side netting for 1-0. Cunha will deservedly take the credit but Matt Doherty also played a key role, positioning himself perfectly to stop Onana claiming the ball.

United pushed on in the hope of an equaliser but Ruben Amorim throwing extra bodies forward allowed Wolves to rub salt in the visitors’ wounds deep in stoppage time. Cunha did brilliantly to break free down the right and was then unselfish to provide to goalscorer Hwang, two-on-one with Onana.

Player ratings

Jose Sa - 8

Kept his third Premier League clean sheet of the season with a much improved display between the sticks. Made four saves all in all, including a superb diving stop to deny Dalot.

Nelson Semedo - 7 (90+2’)

Didn’t put much of a foot wrong defensively and linked up the play effectively in advanced areas.

Matt Doherty - 8

Played a role in the goal, blocking off Onana. Got heavily involved defensively, providing useful cover when Semedo advanced further down the flank. Won more aerial duels than any other player on the pitch.

Santiago Bueno - 7

Looked much stronger than what some of Gary O’Neil’s prior comments would suggest as he stood up well to Hojlund and Zirkzee.

Toti Gomes - 8

Had the total measure of Amad, something that’s far easier said than done.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7 (off 86’)

Provided great depth on the left and occasionally threatened with some good runs on the underlap. Had one shot blocked.

Joao Gomes - 7 (off 74’)

A little scrappy at times and was booked for a foul on Fernandes but did an excellent job overall at breaking up United’s momentum.

Andre - 8

Composed at the base of midfield, sweeping in when necessary to anticipate United’s through ball attempts. Put in two or three great tackles on Fernandes and Amad.

Goncalo Guedes - 7 (off 74’)

Nowhere near as involved as he was against Leicester but still had a decent game just in behind Strand Larsen.

Matheus Cunha - 9*

World class as he scored the opener with a beauty and assisted Hwang’s late goal. Cunha dominated with his relentless desire to get forward and prompted early yellow cards for Yoro and Fernandes with outstanding dribbles.

Jorgen Strand Larsen - 7 (off 90+2’)

Went close with a header into the ground as it was saved by Onana and would’ve had a goal later on if he didn’t stray narrowly offside.

Hee-Chan Hwang - 7 (on 74’)

Netted the second to end his goal drought, securing the win at the death.