Pablo Sarabia's stunning free-kick secured Wolverhampton Wanderers' Premier League safety with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
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The contest appeared to be drifting towards a stalemate at Old Trafford, with both sides demonstrating a general lack of quality in the final third.
However, Sarabia came off the bench to curl a superb 20-yard free-kick into the top corner 13 minutes from time to mathematically seal Wolves' top-flight status for another season.
Meanwhile, Man Utd were unable to build on the momentum of their midweek UEFA Europa League heroics, as their winless league streak extended to four matches.
Wolves moved level on points with Ruben Amorim's side after a fifth straight victory, and are now 17 clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, who were beaten 4-0 by Arsenal on Sunday.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 |
Everton
EVE
|
33 | -6 | 38 |
| 14 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
33 | -8 | 38 |
| 15 |
Wolves
WOL
|
33 | -13 | 38 |
| 16 |
Spurs
TOT
|
32 | +11 | 37 |
| 17 |
West Ham
WHU
|
33 | -18 | 36 |
| 18 |
Ipswich
IPS
|
33 | -38 | 21 |
How the match unfolded
Both sides generally struggled to generate a decent attacking threat during the first half, though Man Utd went the closest to breaking the deadlock.
Christian Eriksen's free-kick was tipped over by Dan Bentley, who was a late replacement in the Wolves goal after Jose Sa was injured during the warm-up, while Kobbie Mainoo curled wide from just outside the box.
The hosts continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides after the restart. Toti's wonderful last-ditch tackle denied Rasmus Hojlund, who was then inches away from connecting with Alejandro Garnacho's cross at the far post.
As the breakthrough continued to elude the home side, Wolves struck against the run of play in the 78th minute. Sarabia – shortly after replacing Jorgen Strand Larsen – curled a free-kick from just outside the box beyond the helpless dive of Andre Onana.
The visitors had to stand firm for the remainder as Man Utd pushed for the equaliser, but did so to extend their superb run of form and, more importantly, to officially ensure they will Premier League football again next season.
Man Utd brought back down to earth
Following a difficult season, the Old Trafford faithful were given something to cheer about on Thursday evening, when their side scored three times in the space of six extra-time minutes to stun Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
There were jubilant scenes as Amorim's men kept their hopes of securing Champions League football next season alive.
The head coach made five changes to the starting line-up on the back of that memorable win, notably introducing youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass, but his side struggled to build on the momentum from three days earlier.
He introduced Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount just before the hour mark in a bid to boost Man Utd's attacking threat, but the goal just would not come for them.
They were ultimately punished with Sarabia’s moment of magic bringing them right back down to earth.
Successive away matches against AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are next up in the league.
Although the league is no longer their main priority, Amorim will be demanding positive performances from his players in order to maintain morale with that Europa League last-four tie against Athletic Bilbao in mind.
Wonderful Wolves secure safety
They may have occupied 17th place before taking to the field at Old Trafford, but Wolves certainly arrived with a huge spring in their step.
Vitor Pereira had overseen the club’s first four-match winning streak in the Premier League and – with relegation rivals Ipswich and Leicester City facing the top two in Arsenal and Liverpool respectively – he will have known this was a genuine opportunity to secure safety.
Matheus Cunha was back in the starting line-up, but it was Wolves’ defence that had to be on guard with Man Utd carrying the greater attacking threat.
Nevertheless, the rejuvenated backline refused to budge and it was Cunha who was fouled for the awarding of the free-kick, which Sarabia bent into the top-right corner in sublime fashion.
A goal worthy of winning any match, it was an ideal way to cap what has been a remarkable resurgence for Wolves.
Prior to Pereira’s first match in charge on 22 December, they had 13 points fewer than Man Utd. Today’s victory has moved them level on points with Amorim’s side.
With safety secured, Pereira will now want his players to continue their strong form and keep building momentum towards next season.
Club reports
Man Utd report | Wolves report
What the managers said
Ruben Amorim: "We suffered a goal with their [Wolves'] only shot to the goal. They scored a goal and we lose the game. It will be like this, ups and downs and let's finish the season."
Vitor Pereira: "It was not our best match. Technically and tactically, we know that we can play better. We played with our souls, with our spirit and that is what I saw in the game. The supporters believed and the moment that we had a chance, we scored."
Next PL fixtures
Key facts
Man Utd have now lost eight Premier League home matches this season, their most defeats at Old Trafford in a league campaign since 1962/63 (nine).
Wolves have won five consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since the 1970/71 season, when they finished fourth under Bill McGarry.
Wolves have completed a league double over Man Utd for the first time since the 1979/80 season.
Since Pereira’s first match in charge on 22 December, only Liverpool (40), Arsenal (33), Newcastle (33) and Manchester City (31) have won more Premier League points than Wolves.