Wolves 0-5 Manchester Utd: Five-goal romp as abject Wolves hit rock bottom

Jonny Evans’ first United goal broke the deadlock and then Wolves had defender Ronald Zubar sent off before Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck also struck before half-time.

Javier Hernandez’s brace then completed United’s nap hand. It was a fifth successive league win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who dominated from start to finish against their ailing opponents. United could even afford the luxury of a rare blank day goal-wise from Wayne Rooney, who was a constant threat.

In contrast, Wolves have now leaked 19 goals in their last five games and 14 in four under caretaker boss Terry Connor which means they have replaced Wigan in 20th position. On this evidence, they look doomed to relegation after three seasons in the top flight and Connor’s survival must be questionable.

The home side, without a win in front of their own fans since early December, began promisingly, ten-goal leading scorer Steven Fletcher glancing a header just wide, but United gradually assumed control and went ahead after 21 minutes through Evans’ first goal for the club.

A deep corner from Rooney picked out the unmarked Michael Carrick, who found Evans, the defender making no mistake from close range.

Zubar became the first player to be yellow-carded after 27 minutes for a late challenge on Rooney, and he was sent off after 39 minutes for a second bookable offence when he clattered into Welbeck close to the touchline.

Three minutes before half-time, Valencia doubled United’s lead, racing on to Rooney’s pass and drilling a shot past Wayne Hennessey into the far corner.

On the stroke of half-time Welbeck made it 3-0 with a simple finish after Evans and Valencia had combined.

Hernandez made it 4-0 with a free header from Rafael Da Silva’s chip into the box, and the Mexican completed United’s nap hand after Valencia and Welbeck had combined.