Despite Wolves being safe from relegation and in searing form, fans have spotted one frustrating thing.
Wolves’ 1-0 win over Manchester United confirmed that the Old Gold are now mathematically safe from relegation.
The result also saw Vitor Pereira’s side occupy 15th place, the highest position the West Midlands club have sat at all season.
Pablo Sarabia was the hero at Old Trafford as the Spaniard won the contest with a direct free kick, but aside from the highs, Wolves fans were left unsettled by one part of the game.
Wolves fans notice Matheus Cunha’s impact on Jorgen Strand Larsen’s form
Matheus Cunha generated attention as the Brazilian was spotted with Ruben Amorim at full time.
Amid Cunha’s transfer links to Man United, the embrace after the game was interesting to say the least, but that wasn’t the only reason that the 25-year-old was placed under the spotlight.
On social media, Wolves fans drew attention to how Jorgen Strand Larsen’s form is impacted by Cunha’s presence, as for the first time in four games, the Norwegian didn’t score.
“It’s so annoying that Cunha and Larsen just don’t work together,” a Wolves fan said on X, as others agreed with their opinion.
“Cunha has ruined JSL,” another responded, as Strand Larsen’s searing form was derailed by the Brazilian’s return to the starting XI.
Strand Larsen made Cunha’s absence due to suspension seem largely insignificant, as the striker and those around him seemed to play at a higher level without the superstar.
Such was noted by some Wolves supporters on social media both during and after the win at Old Trafford.
“Never thought I’d say it but we’re a better team with Bellegarde rather than Cunha.”
Another fan said, “Think it’s telling that JSL had his worst game in this run with Cunha back in the team.”
Cunha and Strand Larsen are two players with different playing styles, which may work for the former, but not for the latter, who operates as a target man.
“The amount of passes Cunha could of passed,” a frustrated supporter said, as another commented on the pair’s opposing profiles.
“One wants to turn and shoot/carry at every given opportunity, while the other sits up top waiting for service. It’s not surprising that two strikers like this don’t work well together. You have to play either one or the other up top to get the best out of them.”
Strand Larsen is better without Cunha in the team
It’s no coincidence that Strand Larsen’s performance level dropped once Cunha returned, as Wolves fans noticed at Old Trafford.
The numbers only emphasise why there are concerns, as for the first time since Cunha’s suspension, the Norway international failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League match.
The clash against Man United was Strand Larsen’s lowest-rated performance out of his previous five games, which says all that needs to be known.
Fans assured themselves that Strand Larsen’s dip in form isn’t permanent, as Cunha is expected to leave Wolves in the summer, restoring the balance to the front line.