Manchester United suffered their first defeat under coach Ralf Rangnick. On Monday United were surprisingly defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 (0-0) at Old Trafford and are only seventh in the Premier League table, four points behind the CL places. The goal for the guests was scored by Portuguese Joao Moutinho in the 82nd minute with a shot from 17 meters.
Bruno Fernandes had the greatest chance for United in a crossbar shot (67th). The Cristiano Ronaldo, who was appointed captain by Rangnick, remained largely ineffective this time. Under Rangnick, the “Red Devils” had been unbeaten since the beginning of December, but had also disappointed in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United before the turn of the year.
In the 96th duel between the two traditional clubs it was the 34th success for the “Wolves” with 17 draws and 45 wins for the English record champions. For Wolverhampton, which improved to eighth place with the surprising success, it was the first match since December 19 because the games against Watford and Arsenal FC had been canceled due to the coronavirus.
Tuchel announces a conversation with Lukaku
Thomas Tuchel, coach of league rival Chelsea, meanwhile, does not want to rush to react after the suspension of striker Romelu Lukaku. The German left open a return of the Belgian after the 2-2 in the Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday and announced another conversation. You first have to assess the situation and “understand what he said and why he said it,” said Tuchel.
Lukaku gave the Italian branch of Sky Sports an interview without consulting his club. There the Belgian had complained about too little playing time. “I am physically fit. I’m just not happy with the situation, but that’s normal, ”said the striker.
He also said he hoped to play again for his former club, Inter Milan, at some point. Lukaku had only moved to London in the summer. At around 115 million euros, it is the most expensive transfer in Chelsea’s club history.
Tuchel: “Don’t take it personally”
Tuchel had described Lukaku’s statements as “not helpful”. For the game against Liverpool, he deleted the attacker from the squad. Tuchel announced another conversation with Lukaku for (today) Monday.
Then he will decide whether he will return for the game in the League Cup against Tottenham on Wednesday. Shortly after the game against Liverpool, Tuchel had shown himself to be conciliatory. “He is our player, he remains our player, we will always protect our player.” It was “not the worst thing in the world,” said the coach. “I don’t take this personally.”
