Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on Sunday, as substitute Pablo Sarabia curled in a sublime free-kick to earn a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In a match that lacked cutting edge from both sides, Sarabia’s 77th-minute moment of magic proved decisive. With Wolves having weathered the Red Devils’ possession-heavy but toothless attacking display, the Spaniard stepped up from 20 yards to bend a stunning effort into the top corner — his goal not only sealing the win, but also mathematically securing Wolves’ top-flight status for another season.
United, still buzzing from their midweek Europa League triumph, were sluggish in front of goal. Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Højlund and substitute Mason Mount all missed key opportunities, as Erik ten Hag’s side struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Their winless run in the league now stretches to four games.
For Wolves, the result marks their fifth consecutive league win — a feat they last achieved in the 1970-71 season. It also completed a historic double over Manchester United, their first since 1979-80. Under Vitor Pereira, the team’s form has surged; only the league’s top four have accumulated more points since his appointment in December.
Sarabia’s strike also made history — he became just the second visiting player to win a game at Old Trafford with a direct free-kick in Premier League history, following Danny Murphy in 2000.
Meanwhile, United’s home woes deepen, with eight league defeats at Old Trafford this season — their worst tally since 1962-63.
