Manchester United wrapped up a convincing win at Wolves on Monday night as Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot deep into the second half
22:11, 08 Dec 2025
Manchester United were awarded a second-half penalty against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)
The Premier League released a statement after Manchester United were awarded a second-half penalty during Monday’s 4-1 win at Wolves. In the 80th minute, Amad Diallo was incensed and appealed for a spot-kick when his rasping shot appeared to strike Yerson Mosquera’s hand inside the box.
Despite initially waving away appeals, referee Michael Salisbury was advised by VAR to go over to have another look at the incident. After going across to the pitchside monitory, Salisbury overturned his decision and opted to give United a penalty, judging that Mosquera deliberately handled the ball.
Replays showed that the Wolves centre-back slightly moved his arm towards the ball as the shot was heading towards goal, meaning Salisbury had no other choice but to give a penalty.
Speaking in an announcement to the Molineux crowd, Salisbury said: “After review, Wolves No.15 commits a deliberate handball in the penalty area. Final decision is yellow card and penalty kick.”
Bruno Fernandes stepped up from 12 yards and converted past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to give United a 4-1 advantage and wrap up a crucial three points.
Shortly after Fernandes scored, the Premier League released a statement, saying: “#WOLMUN – 80′ VAR OVERTURN. After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Manchester United.”
It was Fernandes’ second of the night, after he opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half.
Bruno Fernandes scores from the penalty spot
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde levelled for Wolves in first half stoppage-time, but that didn’t prevent United from winning the game. Indeed, the Reds were rampant in the second period and scored three times.
Bryan Mbeumo put United back in front in the 51st minute after Diogo Dalot passed the ball across the area. Mason Mount then added a third for the Reds before Fernandes completed his brace late on.
The result moves United into the top six on 25 points from their 15 Premier League matches. The Reds sit level on points with Chelsea in fifth and one behind Crystal Palace in fourth.
Speaking post-match, Mount, who was named as the Player of the Match for a terrific individual performance, praised his teammates. “It was an important win,” he told Sky Sports.
“First half we let them back in it and we go into the changing room frustrated. It was down to us to finish our chances, so we’re happy with the second half.”
Amorim decided to pick Mount ahead of Joshua Zirkzee for the trip to Wolves and it was a move that paid off for the United head coach. “It’s a system I’ve obviously played before,” Mount added, when asked about how he fits into the 3-4-2-1 system at the Reds.
“I’ve got experience in that position. I know when to drop a little bit deeper and when to go forward and get in behind. As a team we’re definitely improving and we have to keep winning games.”
