The Premier League Boxing Day action continues with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Manchester United at the Molineux. Both teams are desperate to kickstart a consistent run as the season nears its midpoint.
Wolves have struggled in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, securing only three wins in 17 outings, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone. However, new manager Vitor Pereira inspired a stunning 3-0 victory over Leicester City in his first game in charge, injecting fresh hope into the side.
For Manchester United, inconsistency has been the theme under Ruben Amorim’s management. Despite a few encouraging results, the Red Devils have suffered four defeats in their last five games across all competitions, including a disappointing loss to Bournemouth.
Last season’s fixture between the two sides at Molineux was a thrilling encounter, with Manchester United edging a 4-3 victory thanks to a late strike from Kobbie Mainoo. The upcoming clash promises to be equally entertaining as both sides battle for crucial points.
Team News & Tactics
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Vitor Pereira has some positive updates heading into this fixture. Rayan Ait-Nouri returns from suspension, while Mario Lemina will undergo a late fitness test. However, several key players remain sidelined, including Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic (all knee injuries), and Pablo Sarabia (calf).
Pereira is expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation. Jose Sa will start in goal, with a backline of Nelson Semedo, Santiago Bueno, and Toti Gomes. Rodrigo Gomes and Ait-Nouri will operate as wing-backs, providing width and creativity in the final third.
In midfield, Joao Gomes and Andre Trindade will form a double pivot, aiming to neutralize United’s attacks and link play effectively. Up front, Jorgen Strand Larsen will lead the line, supported by Goncalo Guedes and Matheus Cunha, who has been in red-hot form.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3):
Jose Sa; Semedo, Bueno, Toti Gomes; Rodrigo Gomes, Joao Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Guedes, Strand Larsen, Cunha
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim also has a relatively clean bill of health for this fixture. Matthijs de Ligt is back after recovering from illness, but Luke Shaw (calf), Victor Lindelof (knee), and Mason Mount (hamstring) remain unavailable.
United are likely to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Andre Onana in goal. The defensive trio will consist of de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez, while Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot will operate as wing-backs.
In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will look to control the tempo and provide defensive stability. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will offer creativity and support to striker Rasmus Hojlund, who will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Amad, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund
Key Stats
- Manchester United are chasing a fifth consecutive away win against Wolves.
- Wolves last beat United at home in April 2019, with United unbeaten in six visits since.
- Wolves have lost 12 home games in 2024 and could match the Premier League record for most home defeats in a calendar year (13 by Ipswich Town in 1994).
- Manchester United’s 22 points after 17 games mark their worst start to a Premier League season since 1989/90.
- Wolves are unbeaten in their last seven Boxing Day matches (W5, D2), while Manchester United hold the record for most Boxing Day wins (54).
- Matheus Cunha has been directly involved in nine goals in his last nine Premier League games (six goals, three assists).
Player to Watch: Bruno Fernandes
Despite flashes of brilliance, Bruno Fernandes has been inconsistent this season. The Manchester United captain remains crucial to their attacking play, but he has yet to score in eight Premier League appearances against Wolves. Breaking that duck on Boxing Day could help the Red Devils turn their form around.
Wolves vs Manchester United Prediction
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Manchester United
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