Manchester United's hopes of securing a top-four finish were dealt a huge blow as they were stunned 2-1 by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday evening. United began positively and were rewarded after just 14 minutes as Scott McTominay's low drive from outside the area flew past Rui Patricio and into the bottom corner. However, their lead did not last long as Diogo Jota found himself free in the penalty area following a mistake from Fred to fire Wolves level just ten minutes later. The hosts pushed hard to extend their lead, but the score remained level at the break. McTominay soon had a great chance to head home his second, but Patricio produced a stunning save to keep the score level. Just minutes later, Ashley Young was dismissed by Mike Dean for a second bookable offence, but the hosts failed to make their advantage pay as United remained on top. However, despite their dominance, United again conceded a sloppy goal as they failed to deal with a cross, before the ball hit off Chris Smalling and trickled into the back of the net. Ivan Cavaleiro should have added a third in stoppage time, but sent his effort crashing against the crossbar. It mattered little for Wolves, who held on to earn all three points. Check out our breakdown of the game below. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Key Talking Point ​Wolves came into this game boasting a formidable record against top-six sides, but you wouldn't have guessed it from the first 25 minutes of play. Nuno Espirito Santo's men looked flat, just as they did against ​Burnley, and it seemed to be nothing more than a training session for ​United. But, out of nowhere, things changed. A mistake from ​Fred gifted Jota an equaliser, and they looked up for the fight. Before the goal, they almost looked scared of United, but they eventually remembered that they are the giant-killers. With momentum on their side, they looked to be a new team. This is the kind of energy which has made them great, and long may it continue. Wolves have played really well tonight and all season. Been a breathe of fresh air to the Premier League #WOLMUN — Matt Ascroft (@theascroft) April 2, 2019 ​​ Watching Wolves play is an absolute pleasure #WOLMUN — Leesharn Rose (@ChelsLee86) April 2, 2019 After Young's red card, fans wanted to see them push on and assert their numerical advantage, but they struggled against the ten men of United. But, as we have seen so often this season, you cannot rule Wolves out. They grabbed a second against the run of play, but that's just what Wolves do. Player Ratings Starting XI​: Patricio (7); Bennett (6), Coady (6), Boly (7); Doherty (6), Dendoncker (6), Neves (6), Moutinho (6), Vinagre (5); Jimenez (7), Jota (7*). Substitutes: Cavaleiro (6), Jonny (6), Saiss (6). STAR MAN - Diogo Jota The partnership between Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota is utterly stunning. They boast a perfect blend of pace and power, and it was Jota who shined brightest at Molineux. The 22-year-old took a while to get into the game, but took the momentum from his goal and used it to terrorise ​Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot throughout the game. Jota and Jiminez are  The most underrated partnership in the Prem? 樂#WOLMUN pic.twitter.com/hQdiqylllX — Mubarak (@man_like_waffy) April 2, 2019 When Shaw sees Jota turn and run. #WOLMUN pic.twitter.com/X0ZF6K0CDR — Russell Booth (@russellpbooth) April 2, 2019 Jota simply knows how to play football. His confidence and talent is clear to see, and he is evidently enjoying life at Wolves. They will likely face a battle to keep hold of both Jota and Jimenez, but Wolves should do everything possible to convince the pair to stay. They are building something special here. MANCHESTER UNITED Key Talking Point Perhaps spurred on by Louis van Gaal's criticism of his tactics, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to try something new and match Wolves' three-at-the-back formation. The versatile Ashley Young tried his hand as a centre-back, but it might be the last time he does so. Outside of that, it was encouraging for Solskjaer. United pressed high, with wing-backs Shaw and Dalot operating almost as pure wingers, and their positive tactics were rewarded. Before conceding the equaliser, United looked terrifyingly dangerous. However, after the goal, things certainly changed. Extremely fluid formation. Like United's movement from attacking mid to upfront, not so sure about our defensive solidity. Obviously the goal was a disaster for Fred, but the defense in general a little slow in reacting to danger.#WOLMUN#manutd #mufc — ManUtdGo #ManUtd #MunWat (@UtdGO) April 2, 2019 Ashley young has been playing dangerous football, he deserves the red card.#WOLMUN — OBSERVE...R (@AustineAnthony5) April 2, 2019 Wolves eventually figured out Young was not a centre-back, and also that United do not have much match experience in this formation. Young was exposed and his red card was proof that he was not comfortable in this position, and it ultimately cost his team. Rivals will only look at the scoreline, but their performance was encouraging. Maybe they should try three actual centre-backs next time. Player Ratings Starting XI:​ De Gea (6); Young (3), Smalling (5), Lindelof (6), Shaw (6); Fred (5), McTominay (7*), Pogba (6); Dalot (6), Lukaku (6) , Lingard (6). Substitutes: Jones (5), Martial (6), Pereira (6). STAR MAN - Scott McTominay United's midfield enforcer, McTominay enjoyed a fantastic showing at Molineux. He did his job of breaking up Wolves' attacking play, but made a substantial impact at the other end of the field. It was his great strike which opened the scoring, and he should have had a second with a header shortly after the break. Ice cold. No Smile. Came from Lancaster. Finally given a chance by our fans. Midfielders have families. Dripping in Scottish sauce. Sauce on Spill. Killer. Winner. Baller.SMCT39. Nevas ain’t ready. Has Jota on strings. It really is MctomiGoat szn. Mctominay FC eating Haggis. pic.twitter.com/HPfJUOjcdg — Ronan Campbell (@RonanCampbell10) April 2, 2019 Not only the goal but the general play of McTominay has been really good tbf. Wouldn't mind seeing him in this more advanced MF role again. The best of a pretty average bunch tonight. — Mikey (@Prime_MUFC) April 2, 2019 When United went down to ten men, he had to drop into a deeper role to help his team cope, but he remained keen to involve himself at both ends of the field. He has long been tipped as the long-term replacement for ​Nemanja Matic at the base of United's midfield, but his future may be further up the field. Looking Ahead Wolves will look to carry this momentum over into their FA Cup semi-final against ​Watford , before they return to league action against ​Southampton .<doc-sep>No microphone has been detected in the system x You need to give permission for the microphone to be used to be able to use it x Error while trying to use the microphone, the browser may not be compatible x<doc-sep>Manchester United went down to Wolves after an own-goal Ashley Young’s needless dismissal and Chris Smalling’s farcical own goal sent Manchester United crashing to a damaging 2-1 defeat against Wolves on Tuesday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side blew a chance to move into third place in the Premier League as they squandered the lead in a disappointing display at Molineux. United remain fifth, but their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via a top-four finish will be further dented if Tottenham and Chelsea win on Wednesday. Manchester United's Chris Smalling, left, scores an own goal Source: AP It was a frustrating night for Solskjaer, who saw United suffer a third defeat in their last four games -- underlining how much work the Norwegian still has in front of him following his appointment as permanent manager last week. Scott McTominay’s first goal for United was negated by Diogo Jota before the interval, but the game’s turning point proved to be a second yellow card collected by Young with just 57 minutes gone. United finally caved to Wolves’ pressure 20 minutes later, when Raul Jimenez rose above Phil Jones and headed a Joao Moutinho cross goalwards. MORE: UTTER MADNESS: BARCA PULL OFF 3-MINUTE MIRACLE TRAIN WRECK: BIG SPENDERS DUMPED FROM PREMIER LEAGUE MOISE KEAN: TEEN STAR CAUGHT IN RACISM STORM AFTER GOAL The awkward attempt saw Smalling and goalkeeper David de Gea become entangled, with the former making the final touch as the ball rolled over the line. McTominay’s memorable first ever goal in professional football had come after just 13 minutes and a solid, controlled start by Solskjaer’s team. A patient left-wing build-up ended with Jesse Lingard playing the ball centrally to Fred, with the Brazilian quickly moving it sideways to Scotland international McTominay. Referee Michael Dean shows a red card to Manchester United's Ashley Young Source: AP The 22-year-old unleashed a brilliant, right-foot finish from 25 yards that beat the diving Rui Patricio and nestled in the far left-hand corner. It might have been an even healthier position a few moments later, but Romelu Lukaku impeded McTominay as his team-mate lined up another shot from similar range. But with Wolves’ defence looking curiously disorganised, there was still opportunity for Lukaku to chip in a dangerous centre for Lingard, whose close-range header was pawed away to safety by Patricio. The goal lead was just reward for a strong start by United, with Lingard surging forward directly from kick-off and unleashing the game’s first shot with just five seconds gone. There was also a promising attack which saw Fred spray the ball wide to Diogo Dalot whose hanging cross found Lukaku, only for the Belgian to guide his header directly at the keeper from six yards. However, United succumbed to the first period of pressure placed upon them by the home side, who had already beaten them in the FA Cup just weeks ago. First, an unfortunate rebound off Dalot allowed Willy Boly to play through Jimenez who hurried a 24th-minute shot. Just seconds later, United were not so lucky after a poor clearance from De Gea, and even worse control by Fred, saw him lose the ball to Moutinho with Jimenez pouncing on it and playing in Jota. The Portuguese forward did not need a second invitation to advance and calmly beat De Gea for the equaliser. United looked shaken and an error by Luke Shaw, in mis-directing a header, soon played in Matt Doherty, who pulled the ball back for Leo Dendoncker to blaze over from the corner of the six-yard area. United threatened after the restart, with a Lukaku cross flicked on by Paul Pogba for McTominay, who stooped low and saw his diving header well saved by the outstretched hand of Patricio. But United’s task was hardly made easier when Young collected two yellow cards in the space of five minutes for fouls on Jota, the second after a particularly unpleasant high challenge. As Wolves fans, warming up for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Watford, celebrated their impending victory, substitute Ivan Cavaleiro almost made it three when he struck the crossbar in stoppage-time. RE-LIVE: If you can’t see the blog below, CLICK HERE<doc-sep>
Wolverhampton Wanderers dealt a big blow to Manchester United’s top four hopes as they beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 2-1 at Molineux on Tuesday evening. Solskjaer made six changes to the side that claimed a fortuitous victory over Watford on Saturday, with Marcus Rashford and Anders Herrera ruled out through injury, while Anthony Martial was only fit enough for the bench. United's reward for a lightning start was a deserved opener in the 13th-minute when Scott McTominay, a replacement for Herrera, struck a 25-yard shot which skidded across the wet surface and nestled into the net. Europa League Parker: Solskjaer's preparation for Europa League final was wrong YESTERDAY AT 12:04 Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom Image credit: Getty Images The visitors' joy was short-lived, however, as Wolves bagged an equaliser in the 25th-minute following a mistake in the United midfield. Fred lost possession, allowing Raul Jimenez to release Diogo Jota who kept his cool to level the scores. Suddenly, the momentum was with Wolves and after the restart Ashley Young was sent off for a second yellow card - only five minutes after his earlier offence. United initially coped well with the numerical disadvantage but in the 78th-minute they failed to deal with Jonny Castro's cross from the left flank and in a goalmouth scramble the ball bounced off Chris Smalling and into the net. Wolverhampton Manchester United Image credit: Getty Images Wolves laid siege to the United goal in search of a killer third goal, as Ivan Cavaleiro struck the crossbar, but Nuno Espirito Santo had to settle for just the 2-1 victory - for the second time in 17 days having knocked United out of the FA Cup. The results means Manchester United remain fifth, behind fourth-placed Tottenham on goal difference having played a game more. Wolves remain seventh and will go into Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Watford in great spirit. TALKING POINT United's top-four hopes are fading. Having produced a lacklustre performance in Saturday's win over Watford, Solskjaer would have demanded a reaction from his players in his first away game as permanent manager. A lively start aside, what the Red Devils conjured up was another concerning display, at least defensively - resulting in a damaging defeat; a great opportunity to move into third, wasted. On a hugely disappointing night for the club, United lost from a winning position for the first time since May 2016. With huge games against Manchester City and Chelsea looming, their top-four hopes are now hanging by a thread. Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - April 2, 2019 Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Image credit: Reuters MAN OF THE MATCH - Raul Jimenez (Wolves) Linking up superbly with Jota, this was another remarkable performance from the Mexican. He has settled quickly into the Premier League and could yet guide Wolves into a European place. Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - April 2, 2019 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Raul Jimenez in action with Manchester United's Victor Lindelof Image credit: Reuters PLAYER RATINGS Wolves: Patricio 7, Bennett 7, Coady 7, Boly 6, Doherty 6, Dendoncker 8, Neves 8, Moutinho 7, Vinagre 7, Jota 8, Jimenez 9. Subs: Saiss N/A, Jonny 7, Cavaleiro 6. Man Utd: De Gea 7, Young 4, Lindelof 5, Smalling 6, Shaw 6, McTominay 7, Fred 5, Pogba 4, Dalot 6, Lukaku 5, Lingard 4. Subs: Martial 5, Jones 4. KEY MOMENTS 13' - GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Manchester United: McTominay scores with a lovely shot from 25 yards! The ball is zipped around quickly in midfield, Fred tees up the Scot who takes a touch to get it out of his feet and with his second he leathers one into the bottom corner! United have taken the game to Wolves and it's a deserved lead. 25' - GOAL! Wolves 1-1 Manchester United: Out of nowhere, Jota levels the scores! United the architects of their own downfall. De Gea kicks it out to Fred who gives the ball away. Jota times his run to perfection to latch onto Jimenez's through pass and he finishes with conviction. Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.