United activated a release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract this month.

The deal, which was subject to a visa and a medical, has now been completed.

Cunha has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

“It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,” he said.

“Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.

“I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.”

Cunha scored 31 goals in 76 games for Wolves after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023.

“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window,” said United director of football Jason Wilcox.

United will not play European football next season and it is more than three years since they last reached the Champions League knockout stages.

The 24-year-old Algeria defender has signed a contract until 2030 and is available for the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City begin their campaign in the newly-expanded tournament against Moroccan club Wydad AC on 18 June.

Algeria international Ait-Nouri joined Wolves in a £14.9m deal from Angers in 2021, having spent the previous season on loan, and made 41 appearances in all competitions last term as the club avoided relegation, scoring five goals and adding seven assists.

He is Wolves’ second high-profile departure of the summer, with Manchester United having agreed to sign Brazil striker Matheus Cunha for £62.5m.

City have already agreed a £46.3m deal to sign AC Milan’s Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, adding to the £200m spent in the January transfer window.

Ait-Nouri said: “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.

“I am excited about working with and learning from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.”

City have been operating without a specialist left-back since Benjamin Mendy left. He made his last appearance for the club in August 2021.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo and Josko Gvardiol are among the players who have had extended stints in the position.

Youngster Nico O’Reilly then filled the role towards the end of last season, including the FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace.

However, Guardiola is keen to address the issue this summer and Wolves defender Ait-Nouri is the man he wants.

No agreement is in place yet for the 23-year-old Algeria international but sources are confident it will happen.

Ait-Nouri has been named in Algeria’s squad for their friendlies against Rwanda (5 June) and Sweden (10 June).

City would need to complete the transfer before 10 June in order for Ait-Nouri to be available for the group stage of the Club World Cup.

Ait-Nouri’s class at both ends of the pitch

Ait-Nouri delivered more goal involvements (11) than any other Premier League defender last term to underline his proficiency when joining attacks.

In addition only Leif Davis (61), Pedro Porro (57) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (53) created more chances for team-mates to score than the former Angers man (46).

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the only top-flight defender to complete more dribbles (64) than Ait-Nouri (63) last term.

And his tight ball control and pace going forward compares with players which Guardiola has previously favoured in that role.

He will also be aware that Ait-Nouri has displayed the ability to snuff out danger quickly and at source.

When the 2024-25 campaign concluded Ait-Nouri had won possession back more than any other Premier League defender in the final third, with Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz a close second.

The 26-year-old is set to become United’s first signing of the summer after the club activated a £62.5m release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract.

The former Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.

Cunha was in Manchester over the weekend to complete a medical with the club.

The deal, which is subject to visa approval and registration procedures, is expected to be completed once Cunha returns from international duty with Brazil later this month.

Cunha left the Lowry Hotel in Salford on Sunday morning to join up with the national side.

Brazil face Ecuador on Thursday (Friday 00:00 BST) in a World Cup qualifier, which will be Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge.

The forward scored 31 goals in 76 appearances for Wolves after completing a permanent move in 2023.

He joined the club in a £35m deal from Atletico Madrid, following a successful six-month loan spell the previous season.

Ruben Amorim is keen to strengthen United’s attack this summer after the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign – they finished in 15th.

Wolves earlier rejected United’s proposal to pay the fee over five years.

United will be required to pay the full fee for the 26-year-old in three instalments over a two-year period.

They now have permission to conclude a deal with Cunha and set up a medical, with the transfer expected to be completed quickly.

Cunha has made 92 appearances since arriving at Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, scoring 33 goals for the club.

BBC Sport understands United will be required to pay the full fee for the Brazil attacker in three instalments, during a two-year period.

The two parties are closing in on a total agreement over personal terms, with sources indicating a deal over the forward’s package is now a formality.

Wolves are yet to receive a formal approach, but that is expected in the coming days.

Cunha’s release clause is worth £62.5m, meaning there is no requirement for lengthy club-to-club negotiations – provided United meet the specific terms of the buy-out.

Well-placed sources have indicated that they will be required to pay the full amount by the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The first £20.8m will be paid upon purchase and the second instalment at the end of next season, with the final amount due in the summer of 2027.

Cunha has made 92 appearances since arriving at Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, scoring 33 goals for the club.

The 25-year-old almost certainly played his last game for Wolves in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford and has since taken to social media to post a message to supporters.

He wrote: “Individually it was the best season of my life. All of this was only possible because of all the dedication and love I have for this club.

“I became the Brazilian with the most goals in a Premier League season along with Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli.

“I made mistakes and got things right, but always because I lived this club so much. All I ever wanted was to do the impossible for Wolves. Another one is over. And thank you for all the affection.”

Wolves came into the game as the in-form club in the Premier League, having won six on the spin to pull into mid-table safety, and the visitors created a number of good opportunities in the first half, hitting the post through Rayan Aït-Nouri and bungling a massive opportunity as a heavy final pass denied Marshall Munetsi an open goal.

But City looked dangerous going forward too, and it was a classic City goal that earned them the lead in the first half. Winning the ball in midfield, the hosts hit fast at a stretched Wolves defence, working the ball out to Doku on the left. And the winger did his job to perfection, getting on the outside of his man in the box and cutting the ball back into a dangerous area, picking out the waiting De Bruyne, who had ghosted forward after playing a part in the build-up.

There could not have been a more popular goalscorer inside the Etihad, with De Bruyne playing for what is likely to be the penultimate time at the ground before leaving the club in the summer.

And, with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha denied by the woodwork again in the second half, it was the Belgian’s goal that earned City all three points to send them up to third in the table and with an all-important four-point buffer ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest in the race for Champions League qualification.

Ruben Amorim, who made five changes to the side that dramatically beat Lyon 5-4 including giving a debut to 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson, saw his side have the better of a drab first half.

Christian Eriksen’s free-kick from distance was tipped over by Dan Bentley, a late replacement for Jose Sa who felt ill in the warm-up, and Kobbie Mainoo curled a shot narrowly wide.

Wolves, who welcomed back Mateus Cunha from suspension, had their best chance via Strand Larsen whose header was blocked.

Amorim brought on Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot on the hour mark to try and create a spark.

And the United skipper nearly helped create the opener with Alejandro Garnacho eventually putting in a low cross for Rasmus Hojlund but he was too slow to get there and failed to connect.

Vitor Pereira’s side made the hosts pay by grabbing the winner 13 minutes from time through substitute Pablo Sarabia who curled a free-kick from around 25 yards out over the wall and beyond Andre Onana.

Mount and Fernandes both spurned late opportunities to equalise as Wolves held on for a vital win.

The Cherries took the lead at the Vitality Stadium through Evanilson, but Wolves equalized through Matheus Cunha, forcing a 1-1 draw at full-time.

With the match undecided after 90 minutes, Bournemouth held their nerve in the penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals.

Speaking after the game, the Ghanaian forward stressed the need for his side to finish off games within regulation time to avoid unnecessary pressure.

“It was end-to-end stuff. I feel like everyone’s legs started to go after 90 minutes. It went to pens, and luckily we won—grateful. I feel like we could have done it in 90 minutes, but the most important thing is we got the win and we’re into the next round,” he said.

Semenyo also noted that sharper finishing could improve Bournemouth’s league position.

“I think as a group we need to be a bit more clinical, and maybe in the table we’d be higher. I think now we have got the win, and we will see who we get tomorrow,” he added.

His stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award, further highlighting his impressive form this season.

The 24-year-old has registered seven goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.

The London visitors started the game with a bang as Ryan Sessegnon, making his first Premier League start in two years, scored within a minute of kick-off, finishing well after being played in down the left by Andreas Pereira.

Wolves responded with a string of chances and equalised on 18 minutes when a loose ball dropped to an unmarked Joao Gomes in the box, and a hard-fought match was at level pegging at the break.

However, Fulham came flying out of the traps once again after the restart, with Adama Traore playing in the excellent Rodrigo Muniz, who finished superbly with a chip past the onrushing Jose Sa from just outside of the box.

Wolves had more of the ball and more attempts on goal in the game, but it was Fulham who created the better of the chances on the break and Marco Silva’s side withstood some heavy late pressure to pick up three points that moves them to within two points of fifth-placed Manchester City.

Defeat leaves Wolves still under threat of relegation, with both Ipswich Town and Leicester City playing later in the week with the chance to reduce the gap to two points in the scrap to avoid the drop.

Illia Zabarnyi’s first-half dismissal proved costly for the high-flying Cherries who started the afternoon with hopes of moving into the top four.

Instead of underlining their Champions League credentials, Bournemouth slipped to only their second defeat since 23 November. For their part, Wolves opened up a five-point gap to the bottom three.

The hosts’ defensive line was broken less than five minutes after Ukraine international Zabarnyi was sent off.

Impressive Brazil forward Cunha lifted the ball over home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after James Hill and Dean Huijsen failed to clear Nelson Semedo’s cross from the right.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth had started the game on the front foot with Marcus Tavernier’s whipped effort signalling their intent.

However, Vitor Pereira’s visitors grew into the game, with Semedo hitting the base of the home post with a left-foot effort and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s follow-up attempt superbly repelled by Arrizabalaga.

At the other end of the pitch Justin Kluivert forced Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa into a smothering save and the contest was very much in the balance when Zabarnyi went sliding in on Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The former Dynamo Kyiv defender was initially shown a yellow card by referee Michael Salisbury, but that was upgraded to red after a VAR review deemed his challenge to be dangerous, with Zabarnyi’s left foot slipping off the top of the ball on to the shin of the Wolves wing-back.

It was understandably tough going for the home side after the break, with the visitors making the most of their numerical advantage.

Wolves had an opportunity to double their lead when Marshall Munetsi guided a gilt-edged chance wide from Bellegarde’s cross, and they always looked comfortable with Bournemouth having just one shot in the second half.

Arne Slot’s side successfully bounced back from the disappointment of their cheap FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle and subsequent Premier League draw against Merseyside rivals Everton, though did so in unconvincing fashion as they had to stave off a spirited second-half surge by Wolves.

It was a comfortable first half for the leaders, as Luis Diaz unconventionally opened the scoring, knocking into the net with his torso to notch his first goal since the turn of the year.

And Diaz was central in earning his side’s second goal of the afternoon, eight minutes before the interval. He gave Emmanuel Agbadou a nudge, forcing the Wolves defender to mis-kick a long ball forward before Jose Sa cleaned out the Liverpool winger in the box for a penalty.

Mohamed Salah duly converted for his 23rd Premier League goal of the season, as Liverpool looked to be cruising to yet another three points.

But Wolves came out fighting after the break, and Matheus Cunha forced a nervy finish when he sunk a sublime left-footed strike from outside the area to pull the visitors back into contention.

There was a heavy air of nervousness around Anfield, understandable after conceding a last-gasp equaliser against Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, but Slot’s side survived this time – registering a vital three points.

The hosts opened the scoring after just 12 minutes as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde lashed home at the near post following a clever through-ball from Pablo Sarabia.

Vitor Pereira’s men defended resolutely to keep the visitors out before Matheus Cunha scored a superb solo effort deep in stoppage time to seal the win.

Villa thought they had equalised shortly after the interval as substitute Donyell Malen tapped home following a clever free-kick routine but the goal was controversially ruled out for an infringement by Morgan Rogers, who was in an offside position.

It was a thoroughly deserved three points for Wolves, though, who had a host of opportunities to double their lead before the break before putting in a cohesive defensive display in the second half.

Cunha and Goncalo Guedes were both denied by Emi Martinez in one-on-one situations, while Guedes dragged another chance wide from a similar position.

Following defeats for Leicester City and Ipswich Town earlier in the day, Wolves’ first win in five league games moved them up to 17th, two points ahead of The Foxes and three ahead of Kieran McKenna’s men.

It appeared to be more good news for Wolves at full-time as Cunha, who has been heavily linked with moves elsewhere this January, kissed and tapped the crest on his shirt in front of the fans.

Unai Emery’s side, who once again appeared to be suffering a hangover from European exploits in midweek, struggled to create chances of note in what was a disappointing performance.

They came closest to levelling the tie when Leon Bailey’s effort from inside the box was blocked well by Emmanuel Agbadou before Malen was denied from close range by Jose Sa late on.

Emery made four changes at the break after a lacklustre opening period but it did not have the desired effect as Villa remained in eighth and missed the chance to go within one point of the top four.

His side will look to return to winning ways in the league in two weeks’ time as they take on Ipswich at home, while Wolves travel to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool.

It is FA Cup fourth-round duties up next though for both teams, with Wolves travelling to Blackburn Rovers and Villa hosting Tottenham Hotspur.

Referee Michael Oliver’s first-half decision to send off Lewis-Skelly – after he fouled Matt Doherty 30 yards from the hosts’ goal to stop the Wolves defender breaking from a corner – stunned the Gunners.

At 18 years and 121 days, Lewis-Skelly became the third youngest player to be sent off in the Premier League, behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Joao Gomes’ dismissal, for a second yellow card after a foul on Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes left, was more routine but it will be no more than a footnote.

Lewis-Skelly’s red could have had an immediate impact on the title race if the second-placed Gunners dropped points to fall further behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Ipswich 4-1.

But they showed resilience to snatch the victory thanks to Calafiori, on as a substitute following a half-time reshuffle.

The defender’s fine low finish with 16 minutes left kept the Gunners six points adrift of Liverpool.

Myles-Skelly’s 43rd-minute red ignited what had been a forgettable game, with the only early talking point Wolves fans’ chants against owners Fosun, calling on them to “back the team or sell the club” with their side 17th in the table.

Pablo Sarabia volleyed over and Kai Havertz nodded wide before he was denied by Jose Sa.

Havertz again went close after the break with Matheus Cunha threatening twice before Calafiori pounced.

Now they are back on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League after second-half goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared the blushes of Sanchez.

The goalkeeper had dropped the ball moments before half-time, allowing Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener.

Chelsea’s top-scorer Cole Palmer, a doubt before the game, was fit to start as Maresca made five changes from last week’s draw against Bournemouth including bringing in centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.

The home side dominated possession in the early stages and Palmer had a couple of early efforts, curling one wide and forcing Jose Sa into a diving save.

The home side were rewarded for their dominance midway through the first half when Adarabioyo fired home for his first Premier League goal for the club.

The defender controlled the ball well after it was deflected into his path following Reece James’s shot from the edge of the box.

A number of Chelsea players were in offside positions in a crowded penalty area and the flag was raised but the on-field decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Sanchez blunder

Wolves, anaemic in attack for most of the first half, came back into the game as half-time approached, scoring with their first shot on target thanks to Sanchez’s error.

The visitors won a corner and the goalkeeper inexplicably dropped the inswinging delivery from Matheus Cunha under intense pressure, with Doherty smashing home from close range.

The home side started the second half brightly and were back in front on the hour mark when Cucurella finished in style, having played a part in launching the move.

The ball reached Madueke in space on the right and he sent in a cross that was flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Cucurella controlled on his chest and hooked home on the stretch.

Five minutes later Chelsea had a two-goal cushion when Madueke scored his fourth goal of the season against Wolves, heading home Chalobah’s goal-bound effort.

Sanchez palmed a Cunha shot behind with 10 minutes to go but Chelsea were largely comfortable despite the occasional minor scare.

Former Leicester boss Maresca, in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, stubbornly insisted his team were not in the title race even when they were flying high after five straight wins from late November.

He was proved right when their momentum stalled starting with a 0-0 draw at Everton just before Christmas, at the start of a lean spell in which they took just three points from five games.

Monday’s defeat in London leaves Wolves in deep trouble, outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

The Midlands club brought in Vitor Pereira to replace Gary O’Neil last month and the Portuguese took seven points from his first three matches.

But they have now sunk to a third straight defeat.

Wolves have easily outscored the teams around them at the bottom of the table but they have conceded 51 goals — more than any other team in the Premier League.

The Sweden striker opened the scoring with a shot which deflected in off Rayan Ait-Nouri, making him the first Newcastle player to find the net in eight consecutive Premier League matches.

Eddie Howe’s team created the better chances in the first half, with Jacob Murphy twice denied by Jose Sa and Isak flashing a shot narrowly past the near post before his opener.

Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the outside of the post for Wolves late in the first half, but Isak doubled his and Newcastle’s tally 11 minutes after the restart from Bruno Guimaraes’ clever pass.

Half-time substitute Matheus Cunha delivered a lively display off the bench, blazing wide after racing clear of Sven Botman before shooting just off-target from the edge of the box.

But Newcastle clinched a comfortable win with 16 minutes remaining when Isak picked out an unmarked Anthony Gordon, who slid a low shot past Sa from a central position.

Santiago Bueno thought he had reduced the arrears when he bundled home from close range not long after Gordon’s effort, and Strand Larsen was denied by a magnificent Martin Dubravka save late on – but it was too little, too late for Wolves.

The Magpies’ latest triumph lifts them into the top four for the first time since September, while Wolves slip into the relegation zone on goal difference.

“It was not Vitor v Ruben, it was Wolves v Manchester United,” said Pereira after his side’s 2-0 win at Molineux. “Ruben is a top coach in my opinion and with time he will show his level.”

However, it is hard to ignore some basic mathematical realities.

In two matches since replacing Gary O’Neil at Wolves, Pereira has guided his new club to two victories. Those six points are one fewer than Amorim has managed in his seven league games as head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s short spell as interim.

Amorim’s five defeats in his first 10 matches in all competitions is the worst performance by any new United manager since Walter Crickmer in 1932. He lost six out of 10.

That is quite some statistic.

Some may argue it is also completely meaningless. Crickmer was part of a bygone age when there was no such thing as a manager – twice he stepped up from his day job as club secretary to “take charge of team affairs”, according to United’s own website.

Amorim is not a manager either. His title as coach was a change from the past, part of the collective responsibility the new structure instigated by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that has been put in place.

But Amorim is the man who must find answers, starting with his side’s continual inability to defend set-pieces.

Cunha ‘meant to go for goal’ as Wolves target Onana

“Of course, we analyse every match and try to understand the spaces we can explore,” was Pereira’s almost sheepish reaction when asked if Wolves had targeted United goalkeeper Andre Onana by trying to score directly from a corner.

Goalscorer Matheus Cunha had already given the game away speaking to Amazon Prime.

“I meant to go for the goal,” he said. “We trained that during the week.”

United must have been setting some kind of unwanted record in English top-flight football by conceding twice directly from corners in the space of a week given Son Heung-min did exactly the same thing for Tottenham in the EFL Cup.

It would be embarrassing enough if that was the extent of United’s set-piece woe.

That would be to forget the two goals they conceded at Arsenal in that fashion, Nottingham Forest’s early goal at Old Trafford earlier this month and, after that, Dean Huijsen’s opener for Bournemouth on 22 December.

“When you are jumping, the slightest touch – against Tottenham it was on the arm, today it was the back – makes it really hard to catch the ball,” said Amorin. “That’s it.”

‘Top player’ Cunha shows importance to Wolves again

Amorim dismissed Wolves’ second goal, in the ninth minute of stoppage time, because it came at a point when United were chasing the game.

That task was not made any easier by the dismissal of skipper Bruno Fernandes for the third time this season when, having already been booked in the first-half, clipped Wolves captain Nelson Semedo at the start of the second to trigger a second yellow, a red, and suspension for Monday’s Old Trafford visit of Newcastle.

“I am always frustrated with a red card but it can happen,” said Amorim. “He wants to go for the ball but the other guy touches it first. There is contact but it is tough on him.”

If there was fortune in this success for Wolves it came only through the fact Cunha has yet to face the Football Association over a misconduct charge for his actions in the melee after the home defeat by Ipswich earlier this month.

So crucial is the Brazilian to Wolves, it is difficult to imagine they would have achieved this success without him. The potential for a long ban hung as heavy over Molineux as the mist that remained throughout the evening.

“He is a top player, a special player,” said Pereira. “He knows he lost emotional control [after the Ipswich game] but he is a very good person.”

Pereira also spoke about the “energy” in his dressing room, the determination of his players and the connection with the supporters. This he has achieved, in less than a fortnight.

‘It is a tough moment – we are far from the end of this moment’

For Amorim, the struggle goes on.

After Newcastle comes a visit to Anfield and a meeting with old rivals Liverpool. Two years ago, United lost 7-0 there. They have already been beaten 3-0 at home by Arne Slot’s side this season.

The worry about what is to come from a period that also includes a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round is palpable.

“It’s a tough moment and we are far from the end of this moment,” said Amorim, who left Marcus Rashford out of his matchday squad for the fourth game running.

“I manage but I haven’t trained. They [players] need time to train because they are changing completely their way of playing. It is hard on them.

“In this moment we just have to survive and win sometimes. Like I said on the first day, we have to fight these bad moments.”

Asked how long this might take, Amorim offer no cause for optimism: “I have no idea. No idea.”

Ruben Amorim’s men were already up against it at at Molineux following the 47th-minute dismissal of skipper Bruno Fernandes for a second yellow card.

However, just as Son Hueng-min did for Tottenham a week ago, Cunha found the net with a corner that sailed over Andre Onana’s outstretched arm in a crowded six-yard box.

The points were sealed in the eighth minute of added time when, as United chased an equaliser, Wolves broke and Cunha squared the ball for Hwang Hee-chan to make it 2-0.

In recent weeks, Amorim has tried and failed to make his side more secure but Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also capitalised from United’s frailty at defending balls pumped into their box during a run of five defeats in seven games in all competitions.

Amorim has now collected seven points from his six league games in charge. By contrast new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has six from two as he followed up the weekend win at Leicester with a first home victory over United since 2019.

If life was not bad enough for United, they will now be without Fernandes for the home game with Newcastle on 30 December and also midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who picked up his fifth booking of the season.

Wolves took the decision in the wake of Saturday’s crushing 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Ipswich Town, a result that left the Molineux club second-bottom and four points from safety.

“Wolves have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff,” a statement from the team read on Sunday afternoon.

“O’Neil arrived at Molineux just three days before the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, taking on a significant challenge and ultimately guiding the Old Gold to a successful campaign.

“During his first season at the helm, Wolves beat Manchester City and won impressively at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as rivals West Bromwich Albion during a journey to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

“Chairman Jeff Shi said: ‘We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future.'”

Ipswich led for much of Saturday’s game following Matt Doherty’s own goal in the early stages, before Matheus Cunha pulled the hosts level in the 72nd minute.

But Jack Taylor’s 94th-minute winner dealt Wolves their fourth defeat on the spin, as Kieran McKenna’s side snatched only their second win of the league campaign.

After the match, O’Neil said: “There were too many mistakes again from us, and we were probably punished for both of the real big mistakes, but they’re mistakes that just can’t happen at this level.”

O’Neil joined Wolves in August 2023 after leading Bournemouth to Premier League survival, and guided the club to a 14th-place finish last season.

However, a run of just two wins in 16 league games, with 40 goals conceded, has resulted in his dismissal.

O’Neil appeared to have turned things around in the last month after a six-match losing run, picking up draws with Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, before back-to-back league wins over Southampton and Fulham.

However, a 4-2 defeat to his former employers Bournemouth and a heavy 4-0 loss at Goodison Park marked the beginning of the end for the 41-year-old.

Then a loss to West Ham United, whose Julen Lopetegui is facing an uphill battle of his own, was enough for the club to pull the trigger and let O’Neil go.

Wolves face a trip to Leicester City next, before hosting Manchester United on Boxing Day.

The forward’s second-half spot kick quickly restored an advantage that had been cancelled out by Rayan Ait-Nouri’s leveller after Ibrahima Konate’s first Premier League goal had given the visitors the lead at Molineux.

Arne Slot’s side capitalised on Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle and moved back above Arsenal to reclaim top spot with a hard-fought win while the hosts remain bottom.

Wolves’ enthusiastic start was punctured by some nervous moments in defence but the struggling hosts opened well, with Alisson claiming Matheus Cunha’s effort.

Their issue this season is failing to convert positive performances into victories and, slowly, Liverpool wrestled a degree of control and should have gone ahead five minutes before the break.

Virgil van Dijk slipped in Diogo Jota on the right and his low cross was met by Dominik Szoboszlai four yards out, only for Sam Johnstone’s sprawling save to turn the ball wide.

Yet the visitors did open the scoring in first-half injury time when Jota breezed past Jorgen Strand Larsen, crossed for Konate and he rose above Toti Gomes to power in a header, although Johnstone may have done better.

Salah could have doubled the lead soon after the break but his snapshot from Mario Lemina’s woeful pass flew wide of an open goal before Wolves’ 56th-minute leveller.

Ait-Nouri fired in from close range following Carlos Forbs’ mis-hit shot after Larsen robbed a dozing Konate.

Parity lasted just five minutes, though, when Nelson Semedo pushed Jota in the box and Salah converted the spot kick to win it.

The winger, on as a substitute, curled in from 20 yards with 10 minutes left soon after Fabian Schar had levelled.

Mario Lemina’s first goal since February gave the hosts the lead but Gary O’Neil’s side remain winless from their opening four games.

Newcastle started strongly and Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone tipped Jacob Murphy’s shot over after the winger burst through, prompting an animated discussion between O’Neil and defender Craig Dawson.

The visitors continued to make the early running and Anthony Gordon hit the post when he ghosted past Nelson Semedo and nutmegged Yerson Mosquera.

But Wolves settled and Lemina put them ahead nine minutes before half-time, sweeping in Jorgen Strand Larsen’s cross after Joao Gomes’ cute dummy.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had seen enough and sent on Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock for Alexsandar Isak, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton at the break.

Yet the changes failed to have an immediate impact and, after Johnstone saved Bruno Guimaraes’ strike, Strand Larsen came close to doubling Wolves’ lead when he hit the post after 52 minutes.

Nick Pope denied Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha but Schar levelled with 15 minutes left when his 30-yard effort clipped Craig Dawson and flew in before Barnes’ superb goal won it.

Pope denied Cunha a stoppage-time leveller and Barnes could have added a third for Newcastle, only to dink wide with just Johnstone to beat.

Chelsea took the lead after 98 seconds when Cole Palmer’s inswinging corner was inadvertently flicked on by Matheus Cunha and an unmarked Nicolas Jackson nodded in at the back post.

Jackson stoked an already feisty Molineux crowd with his celebrations – and Wolves rallied on the field.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s dazzling run set up Cunha and the livewire Brazilian equalised with a crisp low finish from inside the box, before appearing to goad Chelsea’s players.

Palmer then restored Chelsea’s lead with a deft cushioned lob from 30 yards when he spotted Jose Sa off his line.

Wolves got themselves back level for a second time shortly before the break when Jorgen Strand Larsen poked home from the edge of the six-yard box after a free-kick was squared back across goal.

However, England Under-21 forward Madueke’s treble in 14 second-half minutes settled the game as a contest.

The three goals were nearly identical as the winger scored with low angled shots from inside the area, assisted by Palmer on each occasion.

Joao Felix put the gloss on the result late on when he side-footed the ball high into the net from near the penalty spot after being picked out by fellow substitute – and former Wolves winger – Pedro Neto.

The bid, which was submitted on Monday, includes an option to make the move permanent in 2025.

Ramsdale, 26, lost his Arsenal place in 2023 following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford. The Gunners have since signed the Spaniard on a permanent basis.

Despite making just 11 appearances last season, Ramsdale still made England’s Euro 2024 squad.

But, after joining the Gunners from Sheffield United in a £24m move in 2021 and having two years to run on his deal, he wants to play first-team football.

Ramsdale was an unused substitute as Arsenal opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win against Wolves on Saturday.

Portugal international Jose Sa has been first choice at Molineux since joining the club in 2021 from Olympiakos.

Kai Havertz headed in a first-half opener for the Gunners from Bukayo Saka’s cross from the right, with the England forward adding their second after the break with a powerful left-foot shot into the right corner after the visitors were caught out by a quickly taken free-kick.

While Arsenal were far from at their best, they always looked in control of the contest and more than merited their win against determined opponents.

Wolves debutant Jorgen Strand Larsen saw his first-half header well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

And substitute Matheus Cunha should have done better with a tame effort straight at Raya in a period when Wolves were chasing an equaliser.

However, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil can have little complaint at the outcome, with his side fashioning few clear-cut opportunities over the course of the afternoon.

The 24-year-old has signed a seven-year deal with the Blues until 2031.

The Portuguese forward was presented to supporters at Stamford Bridge on Sunday at half-time during a friendly against Italian side Inter Milan.

“I feel really grateful to have joined this club,” said Neto.

“I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt.”

Chelsea struck a deal with Wolves on Friday after having two bids rejected.

The Blues will pay an initial £51.3m for Neto, with a further £2.6m in add-ons.

Neto, who joined Wolves from Lazio in 2019, scored 14 goals in 135 appearances in the west Midlands.

The transfer is a record sale for Wolves, eclipsing the £47m they received from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in 2023 for Ruben Neves.

Neto’s arrival takes Chelsea’s summer spending to around £185m.

Midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Omari Kellyman, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino and Caleb Wiley, winger Estevao Willian and striker Marc Guiu have all joined so far.

The club hope to add Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion and Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders in the coming days.

The west London side will pay a fee of €60million ($51.4m; $65.5m) plus €3m in potential bonuses to sign Neto, who will undergo a medical shortly.

The 24-year-old made 20 Premier League appearances for Wolves last season amid two spells out with hamstring injuries, registering two goals and nine assists. He returned to fitness at the end of the season and was part of the Portugal squad that competed at the European Championship, appearing in all three of their group-stage fixtures but remaining an unused substitute in their last-16 and quarter-final matches.

Neto joined Wolves from Braga in 2019 and has played 135 times for the Molineux club. Due to injuries, though, he has not played more than 25 games in a season since the 2020-21 campaign.

Neto’s Wolves contract runs until the summer of 2027 after the Portuguese signed a new five-year deal in March 2022.

This summer, Chelsea have so far signed Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa, Marc Guiu from Barcelona, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City, Renato Veiga from Basel, Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United and Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors.

The two teams faced off at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in the USA as they prepared for the upcoming season.

Schlupp opened the scoring for the Eagles, finding the back of the net in the 35th minute.

Ayew, who came on in the second half, doubled the lead just four minutes after the break with a precise finish.

Another brilliant finish, we double our lead 🔥#CPFC // #StatesideCup pic.twitter.com/DAUz8af2tv

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 1, 2024

Wolves managed to pull one back in stoppage time through Santiago Bueno, but Asher Agbinone quickly restored Palace’s two-goal advantage, securing the win.

Schlupp played the entire match, while Ayew, a second-half substitute, impressed with his performance.

Despite interest from Leicester City, Ayew is focused on making an impact under manager Oliver Glasner in the upcoming season.

The 23-year-old netted his first goal of the pre-season campaign after playing in three matches.

Wolves struck first in the 18th minute with a goal from their initial attempt. Pablo Sarabia intercepted a poor West Ham pass, leading to Jorgen Strand Larsen assisting Cunha, who scored the opening goal.

Wolves’ lead didn’t last until halftime.

Just one minute before the break, Kudus took on Rayan Ait-Nouri, shifted right, and fired a shot between Dan Bentley and the near post to equalize.

Mo making moves Stateside 🇺🇸 https://t.co/CQSvgbCcro pic.twitter.com/a2gaEhzmwj

— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 28, 2024

Kudus was substituted after 65 minutes with the score at 1-1. Rodrigo Gomes came off the bench to score twice in the 72nd and 77th minutes, securing a 3-1 victory for Wolves.

West Ham United will tackle fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace side before wrapping up their pre-season campaign with a game against Spanish side with Mohammed Kudus aiming to improve his performance.

Liverpool’s fans made it their business to dedicate the whole occasion to giving thanks and paying tribute to the manager who has brought such success to the club in a nine-year reign.

And Klopp’s players delivered their part of the bargain with a comfortable three points in an atmosphere that was part carnival and part a sad farewell to the German, who was given a rapturous reception before kick-off and serenaded throughout.

Liverpool owner John W Henry flew in from Boston to pay his own tribute to Klopp, whose crowning achievements were winning the Champions League in 2019 – the club’s sixth win in the tournament – and their first league title in 30 years the following season.

The game itself was almost a sideshow.

Alex Mac Allister headed Liverpool ahead in the 34th minute from Harvey Elliott’s cross, and Jarell Quansah added a second from almost on the goalline six minutes later as they finished the season third in the Premier League after winning the Carabao Cup.

The goals came after Wolves had Nelson Semedo sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after a Video Assistant Referee review for a high challenge on Mac Allister.

The Kop led the deafening tributes to Klopp as he cut a low-key-figure during the game, rarely prowling the touchline, preferring to stay seated alongside his loyal long-term assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders, who will both leave Anfield with him.

It will now be the task of Klopp’s successor Arne Slot to build on the outstanding legacy he will take up.

After scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Manchester United on Monday, Olise opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a beautiful curling effort on the edge of the box.

Oliver Glasner’s side made it 2-0 when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his 13th league goal of the campaign after tapping in from Nathaniel Clyne’s strike off the post following a cheeky chipped through ball by Olise.

Matheus Cunha responded for Wolves in the 66th minute before Eberechi Eze rounded Dan Bentley to secure the three points.

Defender Matt Doherty headed Wolves’ best chance of the first half against the crossbar as Palace went into the break two goals ahead.

But O’Neil’s side hit back in the 66th minute after Cunha powered home his 12th league goal of the season beyond Dean Henderson.

Minutes later Wolves were almost level, but Clyne’s tremendous last-ditch defending kept his side in the lead.

Palace ended the match with 10 as substitute Naouirou Ahamada was shown a second yellow deep in the second half.

Palace, who have won five of their last six, have now climbed above Wolves and into 12th place in the Premier League.

With no margin for error following Arsenal’s earlier victory over Bournemouth, City delivered the perfect response.

City were given a helping hand they did not need thanks to a favourable 12th-minute penalty decision from referee Craig Pawson.

Haaland sent Wolves keeper Jose Sa the wrong way, then beat the Portuguese from the spot again just before the break after he had been brought down by Nelson Semedo.

In between, the striker had scored with a superb far-post header, climbing to an amazing height unchallenged at the far post, to send Rodri’s cross back across goal and into the corner.

A minute after Hwang Hee-chan had pulled one back for the visitors, Haaland struck again, powering on to Phil Foden’s brilliant lofted pass.

It took the Norwegian to 25 Premier League goals for the season and five clear of Alexander Isak and Cole Palmer in the Golden Boot standings.

Julian Alvarez finished off the scoring five minutes from time to leave City a point behind Arsenal, but now with three games remaining to the Gunners’ two.​

Semenyo marked his return to the starting line-up with the opening goal, taking his tally to eight for the season when he slotted in from close range after Wolves failed to clear.

It was no less than the visitors deserved as they employed a positive approach from the outset.

Bournemouth created a plethora of chances with top scorer Dominic Solanke, Alex Scott, Kerkez and Justin Kluivert all testing home keeper Jose Sa, who performed admirably in the face of constant pressure.

The Cherries’ profligacy in front of goal looked like it was going to be punished when Hwang Hee-chan looked to have equalised in the second half, but his effort was ruled out after the video assistant referee (VAR) asked on-field official Stuart Attwell to check the pitchside monitor for a foul in the build-up.

Attwell, who was at the centre of a VAR storm after Nottingham Forest’s defeat by Everton on Sunday, deemed that Wolves substitute Matheus Cunha had caught Kluivert in the face with a swinging arm in the moments before Nelson Semedo delivered the cross for Hwang.

The game immediately fell back into its original pattern in the aftermath of that incident, with Bournemouth probing without finding any success in the final third, until they were reduced to 10-men for the final 10 minutes of regulation time after Hungary left-back Kerkez was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Matt Doherty.

Andoni Iraola’s side hung on throughout the closing stages – including 12 minutes of stoppage time – for a win that moves them up to 10th, two points behind eighth-placed West Ham, while Wolves drop to 12th.

Having blown their chance to leapfrog Pep Guardiola’s side six days ago by losing at home to Aston Villa, then been knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, it was a welcome triumph for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Leandro Trossard’s strike in the last minute of the opening period may not have been the most eye-catching of the Belgian’s career but it was perfectly timed.

It came at the end of a half where Arsenal seemed to have got stuck after a bright start and nearly fell behind to Gary O’Neil’s injury-ravaged side.

The visitors dominated the second half too but were unable to carve out the clear chances that would have allowed them to take the game out of reach.

Captain Martin Odegaard added the second deep into stoppage time at the end of the game, turning in from a tight angle after his initial cross had been blocked.

The result means Arsenal are now a point clear of City, with a better goal difference but having played a game more.

They have the chance to apply some significant pressure to the defending champions when they entertain beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Chelsea on Tuesday.

After Spurs beat Luton earlier on Saturday to briefly go above Villa, Unai Emery’s side rose to the pressure and found a way to win despite being far from their best.

Moussa Diaby’s thunderbolt shot from the edge of the area, after a cross was half-cleared by Tommy Doyle, fizzed through a couple of Wolves defenders and goalkeeper Jose Sa to open the scoring.

Defender Konsa sealed the points at Villa Park when his slightly miscued cross from close to the right byeline drifted over Sa and in off the far post.

The 26-year-old made his England debut as a substitute seven days previously and then had his first senior international start on Tuesday, hoping to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.

“It’s been a perfect week,” said Konsa. “Making my debut for England and then to top it off with a win and a goal, I’m really pleased for myself and the boys.

“It’s hard to put into words. It was a dream come true to make my England debut and it’s something I’ve been working hard on. I want to continue working and learning so that’s what I’m going to do.”

As for whether he meant his goal, Konsa said: “Yeah, I meant it! Nah, I saw Jhon [Duran] coming in at the back post so I was hoping to give him an assist. I’m really pleased.”

There was concern for Villa, though, with England striker Ollie Watkins withdrawn at half-time because of a hamstring injury and manager Emery said he would go for a scan on Sunday.

Tottenham have a game in hand on Villa and could yet take control of the race for fourth, but fifth spot may secure top-tier European football next season with the revamped tournament being introduced.

An ESPN article claimed United wanted to talk to him about a coaching role at the club as they plan a reshuffle under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

O’Neil has taken Wolves to ninth in the Premier League table despite only taking over on the eve of the season.

“I don’t know where it came from,” said the 40-year-old of the reports.

O’Neil added: “Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special. It’s an honour to be linked even if there’s no truth in it.

“I love it here. I’m a head coach, I’m always going to be a head coach. I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves. I was only made aware of it [the links] by the media team to prepare for your questions.”

O’Neil took charge of Wolves two days before the start of the season after the exit of Julen Lopetegui and, despite being restricted by finances, he has taken Wolves within six points of sixth-placed United.

They could yet finish in Europe for only the second time since 1980.

Wolves is the second managerial role for former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham, QPR and Norwich midfielder O’Neil.

He was sacked by Bournemouth after only 37 games in charge in the summer, weeks before taking over at Wolves, despite leading them to safety last season.

It was not clear what coaching role United were reportedly lining up for him – although it is unlikely to have been as a replacement for current manager Erik ten Hag.

A Sun article says they want Gareth Southgate as head coach, and his entire England coaching staff.

Ratcliffe’s Ineos group took over the running of United’s football operations in February, with Dave Brailsford also on the board.

Wolves are planning to enter new contract talks with O’Neil at the end of the season. He has just over two years left on his current deal.

Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring early in the second half, converting from Toti Gomes’ pull back after Fulham failed to deal adequately with a free-kick from deep.

There was more than a hint of good fortune about the second as Nelson Semedo’s shot took a big deflection off Tom Cairney to leave Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless.

Alex Iwobi pulled one back deep into stoppage time with a clever improvised finish but there was barely time for the game to restart as Wolves held on.

The win for Gary O’Neil’s was all the more impressive given they lost both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto to injury in the first half.

Meanwhile, Fulham were left to rue missed opportunities having dominated the first half with Harry Wilson firing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat and Tosin Adarabioyo thumping a shot against the bar when left unmarked, eight yards out.

Wolves were a changed side after the break, quickly putting Marco Silva’s side under pressure with an aggressive high press, led by the impressive Mario Lemina.

They were able to ease off slightly after going two ahead and although they managed to keep the visitors quiet for the most part, Jose Sa was forced to make a smart save to deny Joao Palhinha before Max Kilman headed Rodrigo Muniz’s follow-up effort off the line.

Former Wolves winger Adama Traore also had a fierce shot repelled by Sa as Fulham’s poor record at Molineux continues.

Iwobi’s goal was their first in five visits to the ground and you have to go back to March 1985 for their last win at Wolves, a run of 18 games in league and cup.

Sweden international Isak nodded in at the end of a sweeping counter-attack involving Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, whose left-footed shot deflected off Craig Dawson and into the striker’s path.

Eddie Howe’s team doubled their advantage when Jose Sa and Max Kilman failed to deal with Jacob Murphy’s low cross and Gordon pounced on the loose ball to fire home.

Wolves had the lion’s share of possession at St James’ Park but failed to test Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka until midway through the second half when half-time substitute Nathan Fraser’s low shot from the edge of the box was palmed clear.

Dubravka produced a superb stop to deny Pablo Sarabia moments later, but Livramento struck his first Newcastle goal in stoppage time to put the seal on the Magpies’ first home victory since their 3-0 win over Fulham on 16 December.

The victory lifted Newcastle up to eighth in the table, while Wolves dropped to 10th.

The visitors went ahead just before half-time when Gomes was left unmarked eight yards out and rose well to powerfully head home Pablo Sarabia’s right-wing corner.

But Tottenham made it 1-1 after only 34 seconds of the second half.

Wolves failed to clear a Spurs throw-in and Dejan Kulusevski ran past Craig Dawson and prodded the ball through Jose Sa’s legs.

Tottenham had fought back after conceding the first goal to beat Brentford and Brighton in their past two home games and Kulusevski had two chances to put the hosts in front this time.

However, Sa made an excellent save low down to his left and Nelson Semedo blocked a goalbound effort to keep it level.

Those squandered chances proved significant as Wolves sprang a quick counter-attack with Pedro Neto pulling the ball back for Gomes to side-foot home what proved to be the winning goal.

Spurs began the day in fourth place, but Aston Villa’s win at Fulham saw them move above Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Pochettino’s side dropped into the Premier League’s bottom half following another heavy loss, four days after being beaten 4-1 by leaders Liverpool.

“We are all not good enough at the moment, that’s the reality,” he said.

“Myself also. I’m the first responsible for the situation. What we showed today was that we are not good enough.”

Argentine Pochettino, 51, took charge of Chelsea in July following a season in which they finished 12th under interim manager Frank Lampard after Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel were both sacked earlier in the campaign.

The Blues, five-time Premier League and two-time Champions League winners, have the same number of points at this stage of the season as they did after 23 games under Potter last term and were booed at full-time on Sunday.

Former Paris St-Germain and Tottenham manager Pochettino said it was “a matter of time” before his young squad begin to show sustained progress – although he accepted “patience is not infinite”.

“We didn’t manage the situation properly. No-one can be safe. I don’t want to come here and say I am the best and the players the worst,” Pochettino said.

“I think we are all responsible. But the players need to take responsibility also.

“At the moment we are not matching the history of the club. We need to accept that and to be critical but we cannot give up.”

Mainoo curled his first Premier League goal past Jose Sa, just seconds after Pedro Neto appeared to have snatched a point for Wolves.

Wolves pulled themselves level having been 2-0 down at half-time and 3-1 behind on 85 minutes, but United took the three points thanks to 18-year-old Mainoo, who picked the ball up on the left, nutmegged Max Kilman and cut inside before bending the ball into the bottom corner.

Marcus Rashford had opened the scoring five minutes into his United return, having been absent from the FA Cup fourth round with illness amid reports he had missed training following a night out in Belfast before Rasmus Hojlund doubled the lead.

Pablo Sarabia pulled one back from the penalty spot, before Scott McTominay seemingly made it safe for the visitors by heading in a corner with 15 minutes left shortly after coming on as a second-half substitute.

But that was only the start of the late chaos.
Wolves captain Kilman ensured a grandstand finish by scoring from close range following a corner.

Then, in the sixth of nine added minutes, Neto struck home past the wrong-footed Andre Onana as United were caught on the break.

Wolves celebrated wildly – but it proved premature as Mainoo had the final word in a remarkable game.

Erik ten Hag’s side move back into the top seven after ending a run of four away league matches without winning and are now eight points off the Champions League places, while Wolves stay 11th.

Manager Gary O’Neil has made his mark on the hosts, who lie in 11th position, just three points shy of a European place, since he took over in the summer.

Wolves were the side probing early on and deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes when skipper Max Kilman bundled in from close range after Jordan Pickford initially made a sharp save from team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite’s wayward clearance.

It was the only effort on target in the first half and the hosts celebrated by holding up Lemina’s shirt.

“He is a big part of everything we do,” said O’Neil. “There’s no way we would be anywhere near 28 points without him.

“I know we’re enjoying this moment and it’s hard when you mention him because I know he’s suffering, but hopefully he gets a small lift.

“I spoke to him and he understands he has as long as he needs to get back to the moment and he has our full support.”

Kilman said: “That game was for [Mario Lemina]. He has been brilliant and it’s really tough what he’s going through. He deserved it.”

The home side added a second on 53 minutes when Hwang Hee-chan picked out an easy finish for Matheus Cunha at the far post and the Brazilian then turned provider when Craig Dawson poked home a low cross.

Struggling Everton failed to work goalkeeper Jose Sa into a save and their three straight defeats leave them only one point above the relegation zone.

Second-half goals from Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty secured victory for the hosts, who recorded successive league wins against Chelsea for the first time in nearly half a century.

Substitute Christopher Nkunku headed home in injury time on his Premier League debut but it was not enough to salvage a point for the Blues, who lost a fourth consecutive away league game for the first time since December 2000.

This was another day when Chelsea’s failings in attack came back to haunt them. They have now have failed to convert 36 big chances in the league this season – the most of any team.

Pochettino said: “We feel very disappointed because I think we deserve much more. This competition wounds you when you are not clinical enough.

“We created chances, that is why it is so disappointing. We conceded after a few corners and it was really difficult.

“We have players playing for the first time in the league, they need to adapt. It is confidence and about quality. We need to score if we want to win the games.”

Nicolas Jackson’s contribution was so underwhelming his exit 10 minutes from time was cheered by the Chelsea fans.

The result leaves the club 10th, seven points off qualification for the Europa Conference League, which, even at this stage, looks the best the Londoners can hope for.

No side has lost more Premier League matches in 2023 than Chelsea (19), while only Almeria (24), Werder Bremen (20) and Empoli (20) have lost more games than the Blues across the big five European leagues this calendar year.

Wolves are now level on points with Pochettino’s men after a battling display, although the victory came at a price as experienced defender Craig Dawson limped off during the second half with what appeared to be a serious injury.

Nkunku provides some hope for Chelsea

If Chelsea are to make up their deficit on the Premier League’s contenders for European places over the second half of the season, they need to get their attack firing.

France international Nkunku’s first goal showed what he can deliver, guiding Raheem Sterling’s deep cross into the corner of the net after being afforded only minimal space by Wolves skipper Max Kilman.

Pochettino has cautioned about expecting too much from Nkunku, 26, who came on as a second-half substitute after recovering from a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

However, the former RB Leipzig man has the potential to be a game-changer for the Blues after their struggles over the first half of the campaign, which were clearly on display in the first half at Wolves.

Chelsea should have gone in ahead at the break, but first Jackson allowed Sterling’s astute far-post chip to roll under his foot when the move was begging for a control and first-time finish.

Then Sterling, who had responded to the first failed effort with a spin of obvious frustration, raced through on the Wolves goal after nicking the ball off Joao Gomes 40 yards out, but fired straight at Jose Sa.

In the second period, by which time Chelsea had fallen behind, Jackson found himself with a clear sight of goal but could not sort his feet out and lost his balance before he could manage a shot.

Jackson now has more yellow cards than Premier League goals and the reception he received from his own fans as he left the field will not do much for his confidence.

Pochettino, said: “We are going to lose him for one month to AFCON. If we compare Jackson with different players, he has scored goals. We cannot blame him, it is the team. He is young and expectation is massive at Chelsea.

“The quality players are here, they wouldn’t be at Chelsea otherwise. It is about how you mix these players together. It takes time to work. Nkunku needs time for everyone to see his best.”

Cole Palmer will not be available for the 27 December encounter with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge after he picked up his fifth booking for needlessly kicking the ball away, with Sterling also suspended.

The 23-year-old was named in the Hammers starting XI against Wolves at the London Olympic Stadium.

However, Kudus broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute after he sprinted down the pitch and scored from outside of the box.

Paqueta and the Ghana sensation linked up to double the advantage for the Hammers ten minutes later as Kudus calmly finished off a defence-splitting pass from the Brazilian.

England forward Jarrod Bowen rounded off the victory for David Moyes’ side, capitalising on another Paqueta pass to score his 10th goal of the season.

Kudus has opened the scoring for West Ham for the third time in the last five matches across all competitions for West Ham.

The Ghanaian has now tallied his goals in the Premiership to five and eight in all competitions since joining from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer on a five-and-half-year deal.

Mohammed Kudus is expected to be named in Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated to be hosted in Ivory Coast next year.

City manager Pep Guardiola, forced to watch from the stands as he served a one-match touchline ban, was unable to intervene as his side failed to take control in their usual manner and free-scoring striker Erling Haaland was limited to a single chance.

Still, it did seem as though the visitors were on course to emerge victorious after Julian Alvarez curled home a brilliant free-kick to level Ruben Dias’ early own goal.

But, just as Pedro Neto had gone on a right-wing raid before the opener, Nelson Semedo’s forward surge inspired a second for Wolves, who ended a run of six straight defeats against City.

It completed a miserable day for former Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.

The Portugal international went on strike to secure his £53m move to City last month and the home fans evidently have not forgotten as they jeered him every time he touched the ball before he was substituted at half-time.

Andy Robertson marked his 200th Premier League appearance by putting the Reds ahead for the first time on 85 minutes, before substitute Harvey Elliott’s shot deflected off Hugo Bueno for an own goal to seal the victory in stoppage time.

Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level at the start of the second half when he converted Mohamed Salah’s fizzing cross-shot.

The home side dominated the first half and deservedly opened the scoring when Hwang Hee-Chan fired home at the far post after some excellent wing play by Pedro Neto.

The win moves Jurgen Klopp’s side one point clear at the top of the table before Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs.

Premier League leaders City had a £47m bid for the 25-year-old Portugal international turned down last week.

However, Wolves are expecting an improved offer before Friday night’s transfer deadline.

Nunes did not attend training on Sunday or Monday and did not have permission to be absent from manager Gary O’Neil.

It is understood Wolves want in excess of £60m for Nunes, who has made it clear he wants to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Midlands club signed the player on a five-year contract last summer, paying a club-record £38m to Sporting Lisbon.

Nunes was a key figure during the second half of last season as Wolves successfully avoided relegation, finishing 13th in the table.

Erik ten Hag’s side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.

The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.

It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week’s change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O’Neil’s first game in charge.

O’Neil was booked for his protests in claiming for a late penalty as United clung on for a fortunate victory.

United’s debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana avoided punishment in added time for charging into Sasa Kalajdzic as he clattered into the Wolves striker as he came for a cross without making contact with the ball.

Matheus Cunha should have given Wolves the lead before then as Pablo Sarabia’s low cross found him unmarked just beyond the far post but despite steadying himself, the Brazilian hit the outside of a post.

Cunha fizzed a low shot wide just before the break and Pedro Neto fired straight at Onana before Varane’s decisive effort while Fabio Silva had two goal-bound efforts saved as Wolves pressed for an equaliser.

The hosts won 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Raphael Varane’s header.

O’Neil was furious his team did not get a late penalty when United keeper Andre Onana crashed into Sasa Kalajdzic and failed to make contact with the ball.

“Jon Moss said it was a blatant penalty and should have been given – fair play to him, he apologised,” said O’Neil.

“I have spent a lot of time with him today to understand the new guidelines, trying not to get myself booked in the first game, which I have failed in.

“But fair play to Jon for coming out and saying it was a clear and obvious error – he couldn’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene.

“It probably made me feel worse, actually, because you know you are right. I feel worse about leaving with nothing. Live, I was told they didn’t think it was a clear and obvious error.”

Moss, who was appointed general manager of England’s elite referees within Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in April, sought out O’Neil between his broadcast and written media obligations.

It is understood PGMOL chief Howard Webb also contacted Wolves officials after the game to apologise for the mistake.

Simon Hooper was the on-field referee who did not punish the incident while Michael Salisbury was the VAR.

In April, Salisbury was stood down for a game after he did not intervene to award Brighton a penalty in a defeat at Tottenham while also acting as the VAR.

Former leading referee Webb spoke before the season began about his desire to drive up standards and reduce high-profile mistakes.

• ‘Nothing happened’

Onana disagreed with O’Neil and Moss, saying the incident was just a natural coming together of players.

Asked if it was a penalty, the Cameroon international said: “No, goalkeepers make decisions, sometimes you are right, sometimes you are not.

“I made a decision and I am responsible for everything. For me it was contact between two big guys and nothing happened. But for us, the most important thing was to win and I am happy for the victory.

“Of course I was confident [a penalty would not be given].”

United manager Erik ten Hag said “it can always happen” when asked if he was concerned whether Hooper was going to the monitor as he moved towards the side of the pitch.

In fact, the referee was going to book O’Neil for his protest, in line with the zero-tolerance policy for any managerial aggression towards officials this season.

“I spoke to Howard Webb every Sunday last season around decisions that didn’t go our way,” said ex-Bournemouth manager O’Neil. “I felt it was attached to us being Bournemouth.

“I don’t think officials are favouring one side, I just think it is human nature if there is something you are not quite sure on, you, me, everybody would be impacted by the Old Trafford crowd and the fact it is Manchester United. But VAR should be able to give a penalty.”

Lopetegui left the club on Tuesday following a nine-month spell in which he kept Wolves in the Premier League after taking over with the team bottom last Christmas.

The former Real Madrid and Spain manager had criticised the club’s lack of spending during this summer’s window and cut a frustrated figure over the last few weeks.

O’Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Bournemouth in June but has been linked with a host of jobs over the summer.

He kept the Cherries in the Premier League, racking up 39 points and finishing 15th. Despite that achievement, he did not keep hold of his job, with former Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola becoming Bournemouth’s new head coach.

The Wolves hierarchy believe O’Neil could do a similar job with little funds and be a much-needed morale boost for the club.

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the club. He’s a highly motivated young coach with strong principles and very well thought of by everyone he has worked with, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together at Wolves.

“Our players have shown their quality during pre-season, and I believe Gary and his team will continue to coach and improve them and will have success working with this group.

“Everyone at Wolves is looking forward to welcoming Gary, offering him their full support and working collaboratively to help the club to keep pushing forward together.”

Wolves have seen a number of the club’s best players leave this summer. Wolves begin the Premier League season away at Manchester United.

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