Manchester United were forced to settle for a disappointing 1–1 draw against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, squandering a prime opportunity to move into the Premier League’s top four.
The hosts made a bright start and were rewarded when Joshua Zirkzee broke the deadlock, but United once again failed to capitalise on their dominance. Wolves struck back just before half-time, mirroring the pattern seen in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Ruben Amorim will have hoped for a stronger second-half response, but it never materialised. Instead, United’s rhythm faded as the head coach’s constant tactical adjustments and questionable substitutions disrupted the flow of the game. The result leaves United frustrated and facing renewed scrutiny over their attacking inefficiency.
Missed Chances Define the Night
Despite being without several key players, United were expected to show greater authority against a side that had collected just two points before kick-off. That authority was undermined by a series of glaring missed opportunities, most notably from Benjamin Sesko.
On another night, the Slovenian striker could have left the pitch with a hat-trick. Instead, he struck the post, squandered two clear one-on-one chances, and missed a late header that would have secured all three points.
Sesko played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence the match consistently. He completed just nine passes, registered only 35 touches—the lowest of any United outfielder to finish the game—and failed to create a single chance for his teammates.
A Familiar Pattern Emerges
Beyond the missed chances, Sesko’s overall performance raised concerns. He won only four of the 12 duels he contested, was dispossessed four times, and completed just 40% of his dribbles. While his work rate was evident, the lack of composure in decisive moments proved costly.
Statistically, his display bore uncomfortable similarities to the struggles United endured with Rasmus Højlund in previous seasons. Although Sesko has shown flashes of quality and remains an upgrade in certain aspects, the broader issue remains unresolved.
INEOS Gamble Under Scrutiny
The decision by INEOS to replace one inexperienced striker with another, without providing sufficient depth or an established alternative, is beginning to look like a risky gamble. Against Wolves, United’s lack of a reliable finisher was glaring, particularly in a match they largely controlled for long spells.
As the season progresses, the margin for error continues to shrink. Dropping points against relegation-threatened opposition could have lasting consequences in the race for Champions League qualification.
For Amorim and United, the message is becoming increasingly clear: dominance without ruthlessness is not enough. Until United find consistency and composure in front of goal, nights like this will continue to undermine their ambitions.
