Wolves holds United as Fernandes makes Premier League debut

The result leaves United (35 points) in sixth place, six points behind Chelsea (41 points), which occupies the fourth Champions League spot. Wolves is seventh, level on 35 points with United. Sheffield United is a point better off in the fifth spot. United now has a two-week break before its crunch game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 17.

Portugal international Fernandes, who joined United on Thursday from Sporting in a move which cost an initial 55 million euros ($61 million), was thrown straight into the starting midfield. The 25-year-old was heavily involved in United’s build-up play, playing in an advanced role in the first half and then switching to a deeper holding role after the break.

“Bruno is a top player,” said Solskjaer. “It was his first game. In the first half, everyone was getting the ball into feet. Bruno is one of those who, when he gets into feet, wants players moving in front of him. But, we didn’t (do that). I am sure he will be a top addition.”

Fernandes had a good opportunity just before the breather with the ball falling to him invitingly but his well-struck effort was straight at compatriot Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal. The midfielder tested the Wolves keeper with a long-range free-kick after the break and Juan Mata saw an effort flash just wide of the post.

After Wolves striker Raul Jimenez worked David de Gea at the end of a swift counter-attack, Romain Saiss missed a great chance, heading wide from inside the box. Host United could have snatched the points in stoppage time. Full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka delivered a dangerous cross from the right, but substitute Diogo Dalot’s header was off target.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was satisfied with his team’s effort. “It was a good performance at Old Trafford and a good game for us. United is a good team. The match was balanced and both teams had chances and wanted to win. I’m happy with the performance,” he said.

Arsenal and Burnley played out a goalless draw in the Premier League. Both sides weren’t clinical up front as they had to settle for a solitary point each. After the fixture, Arsenal has 31 points from 25 matches while Burnley has the exact same number of points.