Premier League 2018-19: 3 Reasons why Manchester United lost to Wolves

#3. Missing Victor Lindelof in the central defence:

Ashley Young

United missed Victor Lindelof, their most consistent defender this season, with the Sweden international not playing last night. Smalling is on the wrong side of 30 and is usually not at his best in penalty box melees. His scrambled and clumsy clearing led to the winning goal for Wolves as the other United defenders looked on helplessly.

Phil Jones put up a spirited display last night, but could not prevent the shocking defeat. Moreover, United's defence was at fault for Wolves’ opening goal too as Diogo ran in through the gap between two defenders before finding the back of the net.

The Red Devils had conceded a goal against Watford in a similar fashion last weekend. The United defenders hesitated in attacking the ball and preferred to stay in their own positions as Diogo found his was into their penalty box. Solskjaer would have to work on those defensive aspects and encourage his defenders to go for the ball quickly inside the defensive third.

United’s cause was not helped by Young’s omission in the 57th minute either. The 33-year-old Young was sent off for a clumsy challenge, and Wolves exploited their man-advantage to great effect. Moreover, United would be deprived of Young's services in the next match too.