Manchester United player ratings v Wolves: Zirkzee 5, Casemiro 6, Heaven 7

Manchester United closed a turbulent year with frustration rather than celebration, being held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by bottom club Wolves.

Ruben Amorim’s side, missing eight players, struggled to impose themselves despite taking the lead through Joshua Zirkzee, whose deflected effort was cancelled out by Ladislav Krejci.

The result left United sixth in the Premier League table, two points adrift of Liverpool in the final guaranteed Uefa Champions League place, with the Reds holding a game in hand.

Yet Amorim struck a note of optimism, insisting that United’s true potential will only be realised once injuries ease.

“I’m really confident,” the Portuguese coach said. “When we recover all the players, we are going to be a strong team. There is no doubt in my mind.”

Wolves, who arrived on a run of 11 straight defeats, took encouragement from a third point of the season. Rob Edwards acknowledged the unease among the Old Trafford crowd and felt his side deserved their reward.

“It’s progress,” he said. “Overall, it was a really good performance.”

Man United player ratings

Senne Lammens - 7/10: Had nothing to do for 40 minutes then made two double saves, the first with his right foot from Hugo Bueno on 41 minutes. Wolves then equalised three minutes later. Dived left to make another double save on 63. Best of an underperforming bunch.

Luke Shaw - 6/10: Hit the crossbar with a third-minute corner. Huffed and puffed as United went ahead but failed to hold a lead for the sixth time this season.

Lisandro Martinez - 6/10: Not as imperious as he was against Newcastle, but then the focus was entirely different.

Ayden Heaven - 7/10: Jumped forward superbly to intercept a ball which led to United's goal. Boos when he went off on 74 minutes.

Diogo Dalot - 5/10: Nominally started at right-back but moved all over as the formation changed. Cut across goal to head wide on 53. Cradelled the ball amid cries for handball on 77.

Patrick Dorgu - 6/10: Played on the left rather than the right, where he’d done so well against Newcastle, but he’s looking the part.