Manchester United faced an exit out of the FA Cup as far as this season is concerned at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez’s goals were enough to show the Red Devils the way out at the Molineux, this being only the third loss that they had to face under the tutelage of interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marcus Rashford scored one right before the final whistle, which was too little too late for his side.
After an evenly poised first half, Wolves looked to restrict the Manchester United attack on the wings and went into counterattacks with full flow. The first goal was the result of some brilliant close control from Jimenez before he found the back of the net with a low shot. The second one was forced in by Diogo Jota after a blistering run as he surpassed Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and finally Sergio Romero with a rocket off his left foot.
Here is how the Manchester United players were rated from their defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sergio Romero: 5
Was not the kind of performance expected from him. His positioning in case of both the goals was faulty as he let his side down. Made two good saves to his left in the first half though.
Diego Dalot: 6
Looked a little subdued in the second half after having a decent first one. Good on the attack but shaky while backtracking.
Victor Lindelof: 5
Poor choice of decisions in case of both the goals. Was lucky to survive a red card for a rash challenge on Jota after VAR was consulted and the colour was changed to yellow.
Chris Smalling: 6
Made some excellent interceptions in the first half to keep the Wolves attackers at bay. Failed to keep his composure in the second half though.
Luke Shaw: 6
Slipped on the ground to allow Jota to have a free run on goal for the second Wolves goal. Assisted Rashford to the only goal of the match for the Red Devils.
Nemanja Matic: 7
A disciplined show by the Serbian as he vied well for the ball in the middle of the pitch.
Ander Herrera: 6
Kept getting the ball into the danger area with his accurate passing in the first half. Looked like a completely different player in the second one and gave away the ball on a number of occasions.
Paul Pogba: 6
Tried to make his way into the Wolves box but could not. Tried to initiate attacks with his physical prowess in the second half and had some success before Jimenez and Jota put the match to bed.
Anthony Martial: 6
After a lacklustre first half, he tried to trick his way into the box in the second. However, with Dendoncker and Doherty blocking out the left wing, his efforts were not of much use.
Jesse Lingard: 5
Could not get past Jonny on the night. Tried to pass the ball into the danger area but lacked the accuracy.
Marcus Rashford: 6
Went for the goal rather than helping his teammates who were in better positions on a number of occasions. Scored a very very late goal which was of no use.
Substitutes
Andreas Pereira: 5
Poor performance from the Brazilian on the night.
Juan Mata: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Scott McTominay: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
