Pablo Sarabia stunner seals Wolves' safety in Old Trafford triumph over Man Utd
By
SABC Sport
21st April 2025
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed their Premier League survival with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to a sensational free-kick from substitute Pablo Sarabia.
The result marked Wolves' fifth consecutive top-flight win, a feat they have not achieved since 1970, and completed a historic league double over the Red Devils for the first time since the 1979/80 season.
Manchester United, coming off a gruelling extra-time win against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League, saw manager Ruben Amorim make five changes to the starting lineup, including a debut for young defender Tyler Fredricson.
The hosts, already assured of their worst-ever Premier League points tally, struggled to find rhythm in a lacklustre first half.
Christian Eriksen, widely expected to depart this summer, provided a rare spark with a free-kick that forced a sharp save from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa. Kobbie Mainoo also tried his luck with a curling shot, but it sailed wide.
Amorim responded with a triple substitution around the hour mark, bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot to inject energy. However, it was Wolves who seized the moment.
In the 77th minute, Sarabia stepped up to a free-kick and curled an unstoppable effort over the wall, beyond Andre Onana's reach, sending the travelling Wolves fans into raptures.
Mount squandered two late chances to salvage a draw, ensuring Wolves' victory.
The result lifted Vitor Pereira's Wolves to 15th, level on points with 14th-placed Manchester United, who have now suffered a club-record 15 Premier League defeats this season.
Wolves' official X account celebrated the milestone, posting: "Premier League safety secured! Huge win at Old Trafford, and five in a row for the first time since 1970. Sarabia's magic seals it! #WolvesPride."
Post-match, Amorim addressed his team's struggles, particularly the lack of goals from striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has not scored in the Premier League since a 3-0 win over Leicester City in March.
"We were the better team, but if we don't score, nothing matters," Amorim said. "It's not just Rasmus missing chances, it's the whole team. We have a lot to improve, and until we do, the league will be tough."
He added, "Football is a team game. Several players have missed big chances, not just Rasmus. We all need to score more."
Wolves' resilience and Sarabia's moment of brilliance have not only ensured their top-flight status but also cemented their place in club history, while United's woes deepen as they limp toward the season's end.
