Manchester United were unable to reverse their faltering form against relegation-threatened Wolves after being reduced to 10 men during their clash at Molineux on Boxing Day.
Ruben Amorim had once again opted to omit Marcus Rashford from his traveling squad amid growing speculation that the academy graduate will soon look to leave his boyhood club.
But despite staying level in the first half, United were hampered minutes into the second when captain Bruno Fernandes received a second yellow card and was sent off the field.
It took Wolves just 11 minutes after the Portuguese international to take the lead thanks to Matheus Cunha's opening goal, and under newly appointed coach Vitor Pereira, they maintained the lead despite a tense final period.
The hosts were severely tested as time ran out, but managed to hold on and steal three festive points thanks to a 98th-minute goal from Hwang Hee-Chan that ended any hope of a comeback.
Here, Mail Sport's Aadam Patel checks who struggled and who shone as United's quest for a resurrection under Amorim continues.
Manchester United suffered their third consecutive match this December at Molineux against Wolves
Rubén Amorim's players failed to take advantage and were then eliminated
Captain Bruno Fernandes hindered the process by receiving two yellow cards and being sent off
Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
André Onana – 4
He made some big saves, including a great diving save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen, but you just can't concede straight from a corner, although Matheus Cunha's goal was pretty special.
Leny Yoro – 5
He came into United's three-man defense. He received a caution for carelessness in the fourth minute but was decent until replaced by Antony just after the hour mark.
Harry Maguire – 5.5
He fought well with Stand Larsen throughout the game, although the Wolves striker did so with his header which was saved by Onana. Like the rest of the United defense, he will be furious at the goal they conceded.
Lisandro Martínez – 5.5
Along with Yoro and Maguire, it wasn't too bad, but it was another game without a clean sheet. He missed a great opportunity in the first half when his header from six yards was easily saved by José Sa.
Leny Yoro came into Amorim's three-man defense and was one of the team's bright spots.
Lisandro Martínez was forced to endure one more game without keeping a clean sheet in defense
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
He started as a right back, also demonstrating that he can play anywhere in this system. He battled well with Rayan Ait-Nouri before playing as a centre-back when Amorim made a triple substitution at 1-0. Probably United's best player of the day.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
You have to do more. There is certainly a quality player there but he struggled to get into the game and was replaced just after the hour mark as United looked for an equaliser.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5.5
Another that has to offer more. He was in good positions but carelessly lost the ball on a couple of occasions. He finished for Casemiro in the 64th minute.
Diogo Dalot – 6
He played on the left flank and made good movement. He had a good effort saved from outside the area and always offered an option. It should have been used more.
Amad Diallo – 5.5
Offered a threat but was wasteful when in possession. He made some bad decisions when he was in dangerous positions and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho in the 80th minute.
Kobbie Mainoo must offer more to his new coach if he wants to secure ownership
Amad Diallo was another player who did not rise to the occasion on Boxing Day night.
Rasmus Hojlund worked hard leading the Man United line and often cut a frustrated figure on Thursday.
Bruno Fernandez – 3
A day to forget for the United captain. It cost his team. He was booked for fouling Cunha in the first half and then received a second yellow card for bringing down Nelson Semedo at the start of the second half. There's no need to pose challenges like that when you're on a reservation. Stupid would be an understatement.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4.5
Back in the starting lineup, but offered absolutely nothing against the league's statistically worst defense. It shows a frustrated figure due to lack of service. Only 14 touches.
Substitutions
Anthony – 5
He attempted to make an impact with a drilled effort that went slightly wide.
Casemiro – 5
Like Antonio, he had the chance to tie but headed straight for José Sa.
Christian Eriksen – 5
He replaced Ugarte and United looked much better in midfield with Eriksen.
Antony came on as a substitute in the second half and failed to radically change the game.
Amorim has a lot of work to do to sharpen United's attack and strengthen its defence.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
He replaced Diallo later. He had a good chance but failed.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
He replaced Hojlund with ten minutes remaining. he didn't do anything
Manager
Ruben Amorim – 4
Yes, he will ask for patience and his captain didn't help him, but this was another lackluster display from United and there were hardly any signs of change from Erik ten Hag's reign. Amorim has a huge task on his hands and he knows it.
