Ruben Amorim remains optimistic about Manchester United’s season despite ending 2025 with a disappointing 1-1 home draw against struggling Wolves.
Wolves arrived at Old Trafford bottom of the Premier League after 11 straight defeats and just two points from 18 matches, but left with their third point of the campaign after cancelling out Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected opener through Ladislav Krejci.
The result came three weeks after United thrashed Wolves 4-1 at Molineux, but injuries forced Amorim to cope without eight players, including Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount. United sit sixth, two points behind champions Liverpool, who have a game in hand, in the race for the final automatic Champions League spot.
“I’m really confident,” Amorim said at the halfway stage of the season. “We just need to recover all the players. When that happens, we are going to be a strong team.”
The 40-year-old Portuguese coach admitted uncertainty over the final outcome of the campaign but insisted belief remains high. “There is no doubt in my mind,” he said.
United open 2026 away to fierce rivals Leeds on Sunday, with Amorim confirming he will not risk aggravating existing injuries.
Against Wolves, United struggled for inspiration, prompting Amorim to substitute goalscorer Zirkzee at half-time for teenage midfielder Jack Fletcher. The manager said the change was purely tactical.
“We were struggling in the middle of the park,” Amorim explained. “With Jack, we balanced the game and recovered the ball faster in the second half.”
United reverted to Amorim’s preferred three-man defence, having recently enjoyed success with a back four.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards, who took charge last month, was encouraged by his side’s display after securing a first point under his leadership.
“It’s progress,” Edwards said ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham. “Overall, it was a really good performance.”
