Manchester United fans can breathe a sigh of relief after a pulsating 4-1 Premier League triumph over rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Monday night. Bruno Fernandes was the undisputed star, netting a brace including a late penalty, as Ruben Amorim's Red Devils surged to sixth in the table, just one point shy of the Champions League spots. This gritty road win marks a turning point for United, who had stumbled with only one victory in their previous five league outings.
The match kicked off with United asserting early dominance. Just 25 minutes in, a Wolves error gifted Casemiro possession, and Fernandes pounced, bundling the ball past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for a scrappy opener. It was the Portuguese maestro's seventh goal of the season, silencing the home crowd and setting an electric tone. But Wolves, desperate to end their winless streak, fought back fiercely. After eight barren hours without a league goal, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde equalized right on halftime, guiding in a recycled cross from David Moller Wolfe. The half-time whistle brought brief hope to the Molineux faithful, but it was short-lived.
The second half belonged entirely to United. Just six minutes after the restart, Diogo Dalot's low cross found Bryan Mbeumo – wait, hold on, that's a mix-up in the heat of the game notes; it was actually Kobbie Mainoo who tapped in the rebound? No, let's clarify: United's counter-attack speed was lethal, with Dalot's delivery converted by an unmarked Mbeumo on 51 minutes to restore the lead. The away side's rhythm was intoxicating. On 62 minutes, Fernandes unleashed a sublime lofted pass, splitting the Wolves defense like a hot knife through butter. Mason Mount latched on, finishing with cool composure to make it 3-1. The stadium, once buzzing with defiance, began to empty as the reality sank in.
Fernandes wasn't done yet. In the 82nd minute, VAR spotted a blatant handball by Yerson Mosquera, and the captain stepped up to bury the spot-kick, sealing a deserved 4-1 scoreline. His twin strikes – the opener and the penalty – highlighted why he's United's heartbeat, with seven goals and eight assists already this term. Teammates like Mount and the lively Matheus Cunha (returning to face his old club) shone brightly, while the backline held firm despite early scares.
For Wolves, it's another chapter in a nightmare season. Managed by Rob Edwards, they're 13 points from safety after one of the Premier League's worst starts ever – no wins and goals drying up like a desert. They showed flickers of spirit, leveling before the break, but defensive frailties returned with a vengeance. Lapses from Toti, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Mosquera turned resilience into rout. Edwards urged his side to "fight or fade away" pre-match, but post-game, he admitted: "We got ourselves back in the game but the goals we conceded… it’s impossible to win football matches that way. There’s nervousness, a lack of confidence. We’ve got to work very hard to improve." With Arsenal looming next, the pressure mounts.
Amorim, in contrast, beamed with pride: "We had good pace and quality in the second half. We’re creating more chances and more real danger compared to last season, so I’m pleased. We scored four but could have had more." United's attack is clicking, unbeaten in five away league games and tasting defeat just once since late September. This Molineux masterclass – their first four-goal haul on the road since 2022 – signals a Red Devils revival under the Portuguese tactician.
The Premier League top six now reads: 1. Arsenal, 2. Liverpool, 3. Chelsea, 4. Tottenham, 5. Newcastle, 6. Manchester United. Wolves languish at the foot, staring down relegation. United head home to Old Trafford next Monday against AFC Bournemouth, eyeing a top-four push. For now, Fernandes' magic has lit the fire – can they keep it burning?
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