Wolves ended Ralf Rangnick’s unbeaten start as Manchester United interim manager on Monday as Joao Moutinho’s strike earned a deserved 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
A first home defeat to Wolves in 42 years leaves United still seventh in the Premier League table, four points adrift of the top four.
An injury crisis at center-back with captain Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all missing, forced Rangnick to hand Phil Jones his first Premier League appearance in two years.
But the former England international was one of few United players to emerge with any credit from a ragged display that raises questions over their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named United captain for just the second time in the absence of Maguire.
David De Gea was the difference between the sides when United won 1-0 at Molineux in August and the Spaniard was again his side’s savior with a fingertip save to turn Ruben Neves’ volley over early on.
The victory lifts Wolves up to eighth, just three points behind United.
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