Nuno: Wolves pups will learn lessons after United heartbreak

Wolves looked destined to grab a hard-earned point at Old Trafford only to be undone by a deflected Marcus Rashford effort deep into stoppage time.

But Nuno was proud of the performance of his players, having named a youthful XI just 48 hours on from the 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

That included full Premier League debuts for Ki-Jana Hoever and Vitinha, while four of the starting XI were aged 20 or under.

Nuno said: “We performed well. It was a fantastic effort and the finish was tough to take. The effort was amazing.

“Football is a cruel game sometimes. Sometimes things go for you and sometimes they don’t.

“The young players did well. The time was right for these players. But the game teaches you to be focused until the last minute.

“It is a tough lesson but we will learn from it. I always say our squad is small because we work like this. They are young because we believe in them and this was the right time to do it.

“We were organised until the last moment but this is football and it is a learning process. There is no point feeling sorry for yourself.”

Wolves had 30 hours less rest than United, who made six changes from the team which had drawn 2-2 at Leicester on Boxing Day.

But they struggled to create chances against a resolute Wolves, who hit the bar in the opening half through Romain Saiss, with the defender also bringing a sharp save out of David De Gea.

Rayan Ait-Nouri also tested the United keeper in the second half before Rashford snatched a winner, his shot taking a massive deflection off Saiss to beat Rui Patricio.

Wolves have now been beaten in four of their last six Premier League matches and sit 12th in the table.

Nuno continued: “I think we started well. The first half we created good chances and the end was tough.

“It was hard for us with the tight schedule but the attitude of the boys was good.

“This is the game and it is what we do in the game that is important.”

Nuno was also quizzed on the current situation with the coronavirus as case numbers continue to rise across the country.

The Premier League yesterday reported 18 new cases - the highest so far - with Albion boss Sam Allardyce suggesting the season may need to be paused.

Asked whether he was of a similar view, Nuno said: “The rising of this is huge for the country. We are in the middle of it. Sometimes it is impossible to control the situation.

“People will get together and talk. Opinions are good but I cannot say too much now because of the questions of what happens to the schedule.

“We need to make good decisions and be aware of the future. I feel I am not able at this moment to give a good answer on the situation.

“But I think all the managers have said you cannot plan or predict. Every time there is a test you are worried. But all over society people are worried.”