A spirited Wolves performance was cruelly undone in stoppage time as they lost 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford’s shot took a deflection off the superb Romain Saiss to send the hosts up to second place, but Nuno’s side’s resolute defensive display should have seen them leave Manchester with a point.
Rui Patricio
Only had a few saves to make despite United’s persistent pressure. Blocked Fernandes’ close-range effort in the first-half and made a good low stop from Pogba in the second, but was helpless for Rashford’s winner following Saiss’ deflection. 7/10.
Conor Coady
Played on the right of the back three for the first time to help Ki-Jana Hoever on his first Wolves start. Put in a usual solid performance despite the more isolated position and was a constant voice in Hoever’s ear, which no doubt settled the 18-year-old. Showed his undoubted leadership qualities and did his own job well. 8/10.
Romain Saiss
Like Coady, Saiss was deployed in an unfamiliar role, but he executed his tasks to near perfection. The Morocco captain had Edinson Cavani in his back pocket for the entire game, barely misplaced a pass and looked a threat from set-pieces as he forced de Gea into a good save. Had it not been for the unlucky deflection on Rashford’s effort, Saiss’ mark would have been perfect. Unquestionably the man of the match. 9/10.
Max Kilman
Part of a well-drilled defensive unit but looked the most individually susceptible. Struggled to deal with the pace of United’s front line, was bailed out by Saiss on multiple occasions and should have intercepted Fernandes’ hopeful long ball that led to Rashford’s winner. Couldn’t bounce back from a disappointing display at Turf Moor last week. 6/10.
Ki-Jana Hoever
Made his first Wolves start but gave the performance of a seasoned veteran. Was undeniably helped by having the constant voice of Coady behind him, but performed very well against the considerable tasks of Rashford, Fernandes and Martial while also providing a forward threat when the chance arose. Considering Nelson Semedo’s poor recent form, Hoever certainly didn’t hinder his chances of becoming Wolves’ starting right back. 9/10.
Ruben Neves
Looked back to his best in what was a complete midfield performance. Played well alongside Moutinho for the first time in a long time as the duo combined to win the ball back from Pogba and Matic and set Wolves on their way. The 23-year-old’s passing was superb, and he was yet another in old gold who simply didn’t deserve to be on the losing team. 8/10.
Vitinha
Given his first Premier League start after impressing in substitute appearances and gave a good, if unspectacular, account of himself. The 20-year-old provided a connection between midfield and attack that Wolves have so badly lacked in games gone by and wasn’t afraid to have a shot at goal. The biggest compliment you can pay Vitinha is that Wolves looked half the side offensively when he was harshly withdrawn after just 55 minutes. 7/10.
Joao Moutinho
Has now completed 173 minutes in just over 48 hours which is no mean feat for a 34-year-old, yet put in another solid performance. Moutinho has returned to form after a shaky start to the campaign as he drove Wolves forward regularly and provided the defensive solidity many feared Wanderers would be lacking without the presence of Dendoncker or Otasowie. Has completed an impressive 36 tackles in 14 Premier League games this season. 8/10.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Produced his best display since his stunning debut against Crystal Palace in October. It’s easy to forget the 19-year-old was making just his fifth Premier League start as he looked solid defensively and a threat going forward, forcing de Gea into action with a low drive in the second half. Should have prevented Rashford from cutting inside for United’s winner, but the ball shouldn’t have got to that area in the first place. 8/10.
Adama Traore
Put in another disappointing performance and looks a shadow of the player that Wolves fans grew to love around this time last year. While Traore’s final ball has always been a question mark, his ability to beat players has never been doubted, until now. The Spanish international was kept under wraps by Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire in a second half where he was almost completely anonymous, begging the question why Vitinha and Neto were withdrawn instead? 369 days on from his last goal and 189 days on from his last assist, even Traore’s most ardent fans will be questioning whether it’s time for Wolves to cash in. 5/10.
Pedro Neto
Has become Wolves’ biggest goal threat in Raul Jimenez’s absence and that was no different at Old Trafford. The Portuguese winger was a thorn in United’s right hand side throughout, and should have done better when he was set through on goal but looked to cut onto his left foot, allowing Maguire to catch up with him. Was unfortunate to be withdrawn on 68 minutes, although fatigue could have been an issue. 7/10.
Daniel Podence
Introduced for Vitinha on 55 minutes. Didn’t influence the game in the way he has recently but did show glimpses of attacking flair shortly after his introduction. Will almost certainly return to the starting lineup at the AMEX on Saturday. 6/10.
Fabio Silva
Was brought on for Neto on 68 minutes as Wolves needed a focal point at the top of the pitch, but Silva struggled to make an impact close to his last substitute appearance at Turf Moor. Was feeding off scraps as Wolves looked to secure a point but didn’t hold the ball up as his manager would have wanted. 5/10.
James Wynn is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.