Manchester United have been told they are fortunate to be in the position they're currently in thanks to David de Gea as Chris Sutton warns Ralf Rangnick will need to make tough decisions such to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.
The Reds were unable to gain control of their clash with Wolves and slipped to their fourth home defeat of the season and end Rangnick's unbeaten start.
De Gea was instrumental during that run and has largely been United's most impressive performer this season, notably making a number of key saves against relegation fodder Norwich City last month.
"Who's the goalkeeper who's made the most saves in the Premier League this season? Not Illan Meslier at Leeds. Not Tim Krul at Norwich or Nick Pope at Burnley. It's David de Gea. His goal is being peppered," Sutton told the Daily Mail.
" United are fortunate he's been in such good form, otherwise, they'd be lower in the table than they already are."
Ronaldo 's place in the side has started to be questioned despite his typically impressive return. The 36-year-old has eight goals in 17 Premier League appearances as well as six in five Champions League matches.
But Sutton believes that following yet another dismal collective display, Rangnick is facing a number of difficult decisions even if it may mean leaving out Ronaldo.
He added: " After 19 games last season, United were top on 40 points. Now they're seventh on 31, despite signing Ronaldo, Sancho and Raphael Varane. Rangnick needs to consider what is best for the team. If that is using someone else up top instead of Ronaldo, so be it."
At half-time, Rangnick was forced to move away from his 4-2-2-2 and opt for three in defence to combat Wolves' threatening attack.
In the end, it didn't pay dividends with Joao Moutinho scoring the only goal of the game and Sutton believes the system left United 'open'.
"I feel for United's midfielders," he continued. "They're forever given an immense workload, especially if the two playmakers in front of them don't help them out.
"Against Wolves that was Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. They're expected to be here, there and everywhere. It asks too much of them, and that leaves United open."
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