Manchester United return to Premier League action as they head down to the West Midlands on Thursday evening to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Red Devils currently lie ninth in the table and only three points ahead of our opponents. Previous games between both sides have not resulted in many goals as the reverse fixture at Old Trafford saw United come out on top with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Raphael Varane header.
After drawing 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur in the league two weeks ago, United made it through to the fifth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a captivating 4-2 victory over Newport County on Sunday. We were 2-0 up after 13 minutes thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Looking to be cruising along to the win, our opponents gave us a big scare when goals either side of half time saw pegged back. Antony’s first goal of the season restored our lead before Rasmus Højlund settled the tie as our last hopes of lifting silverware this season remains in tact.
Although we have won the last two of out three games, which were both in the FA Cup, inconsistent is prevalent amongst this United side that has caused much frustration amongst the fans this season. The Red Devils have won just four, drawn three and lost five of their last 12 matches in all tournaments since the end of the November.
After dealing with Marcus Rashford disciplinary matter, Ten Hag is tasked with getting the best out of his players and gain positive results in the remaining league fixtures this season as we look to climb from ninth place into the Champions League qualification spots.
As we take on Wolves, United have lost their last four Premier League away games only scoring one goal in that time. However, the last three visits to Molineux have seen us run out winners.
Manchester United Team News
Erik Ten Hag will make a late decision on whether Marcus Rashford will be in the matchday squad following his absence in the win over Newport County due to illness following a night out in Belfast. A club statement and the manager confirmed in his press conference that it was an internal disciplinary matter and the case is now closed. There are somereports today of fresh interest from French giants PSG, who are long-term admirers of Rashford.
We will be without the services of Mason Mount (calf), Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof (both groin), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Sofyan Amrabat who is on international duty. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt with an unspecified injury. Altay Bayindir made his first team debut at the weekend in the FA Cup but the Turkish goalkeeper is expected to replace by our number one keeper Andre Onana who has returned from AFCON after a disappointing tournament with Cameroon.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw;
Mainoo, Casemiro;
Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho;
Hojlund
Opposition Preview
Wolves are currently unbeaten in the last seven matches across all competitions after they won 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. However, the match was marred by crowd trouble. Pedro Neto’s opened the scoring in the first half, which was followed by Matheus Cunha’s strike in the 78th minute. Tensions boiled in one corner of the Hawthorns stadium which then forced the game to be suspended for 38 minutes before resuming to it conclusion.
The FA has since then confirmed there will be an investigation after the “inexcusable” violence that saw six people arrested while several supporters and police offices sustained injuries. Manager Gary O’Neil condemned the scenes that unfolded but also praise his side display during the victory. Now returning to league action, Wolves will be looking to build on their form and climb from eleventh in the table into the top half.
They have picked up the second most points in the league since December 5th and have not lost in their eight games at Molineux securing wins against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in this period.
Wolves Team News
Wolves are still without forward Hwang Hee-chan and midfielder Boubacar Traore due to international duty at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations respectively. Joao Gomes will miss the game through suspension. Pablo Sarabia is also a doubt after picking up a calf injury and will assessed ahead of the game to if he is fit to play. Rayan Ait-Nouri is available for selection following his return AFCON.
Manager Gary O’Neil is not expected to make many changes to his starting eleven after his side beat West Brom in the FA Cup at the weekend. Tommy Doyle is to be paired with Mario Lemina in the midfield, whilst Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will be in the attack alongside Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: LDLWLD
Manchester United (all competitions): LWLWDW
Wolves Premier League form: DLWWWD
Wolves form (all competitions): WWDWDW
Prediction
Matches between these sides have not been goalfests in recent times as 13 out of the last 14 games have either ended in draws or be decided by a one goal margin. It is likely it could be the same outcome on Thursday evening. Wolves can boast an impressive home record but United do have the ability to grind out results as they have done in the last three games away at Molineux.
Wolves 0-1 Manchester United
