By SCM Sports Desk
THE Theatre of Dreams turned into a House of Horrors for Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s final bow of 2025 ended in a whimpering 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-pile Wolves.
Under the towering red stands of Old Trafford, the United faithful arrived expecting a festive feast to close out the year.
Instead, they were served a cold bowl of disappointment as the famous Stretford End roar was silenced by a gritty Wolves side that refused to play the role of the sacrificial lamb.
The atmosphere at the world-famous M16 venue was electric at kick-off, with the floodlights glinting off the rain-slicked turf.
When Joshua Zirkzee found the net in the 27th minute—aided by a wicked deflection off Ladislav Krejci—the 74,000-strong crowd erupted, believing the “fortress” was once again impenetrable.
But the hollowed-out cracks in this legendary stadium’s modern form were soon exposed.
Just before the half-time whistle echoed around the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, Krejci turned from villain to hero, rising highest in the box to nod home a leveller that sucked the oxygen right out of the stadium.
As the second half ticked away, the Theatre of Dreams felt more like a cage.
The nerves were palpable, the groans from the North Stand growing louder with every misplaced pass.
In a grandstand finish typical of this iconic ground, Patrick Dorgu thought he had snatched a late winner to send the home fans into delirium. But as the VAR screen flashed its cold, digital verdict of offside, the joy turned to jeers.
The final whistle was met with a chorus of boos that rang around the historic rafters, proving that while the venue remains legendary, the magic is currently in short supply.
United leave their home turf sitting sixth, while Wolves—who hadn’t seen a point in months—celebrated on the hallowed grass like they’d won the league.
For Amorim, the intimidating aura of Old Trafford wasn’t enough to scare off the basement boys, leaving the Red Devils with a New Year’s hangover before the party has even started.
