Wolves vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw or United win
• Over 1.5 goals

Wolves host Manchester United at Molineux on Boxing Day in a Premier League encounter with plenty at stake for both sides.

While Wolves are fighting to climb out of the relegation zone under new boss Vítor Pereira, Manchester United look to find some consistency in a challenging season under Ruben Amorim.

Wolves: A New Era Under Pereira

Wolves started life under new manager Vítor Pereira in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester City last weekend.

The win ended a four-match losing streak and brought them within two points of safety, offering a glimmer of hope for a team that has struggled for most of the campaign.

Confidence may finally be building, but Wolves’ home form remains dismal, with just four points from eight games at Molineux (W1, D1, L6).

Their sole home win came against bottom-placed Southampton, while they’ve conceded 20 goals at home, the second-worst record in the division.

Pereira will need to rely on the “new manager bounce” and improved performances from key players to secure a result against a side they’ve beaten just once in their last 12 league meetings (W1, D3, L8).

Key Player: Matheus Cunha

Cunha is Wolves’ focal point in attack, and with Gonçalo Guedes contributing to six goals in his last eight appearances (G2, A4), the pair could form a dangerous partnership. Guedes’ goal and assist against Leicester underline his importance in Pereira’s attacking setup.

Manchester United: Searching for Consistency

Manchester United’s rollercoaster season under Ruben Amorim continues, with their last eight matches producing four wins and four losses in alternating streaks. A humbling 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend added to the growing frustrations for a team that will spend Christmas in the bottom half of the table for the first time since 1989/90.

While inconsistency has been United’s hallmark, their 2-1 victory at Manchester City recently demonstrates their potential to deliver in big moments. A win at Molineux would mark their first back-to-back away league victories since February, and they enter this clash with the confidence of an active four-match winning streak at Molineux.

Key Player: Rasmus Højlund

After United failed to score for the sixth time in the league this season, Højlund is expected to return to the starting XI. His impact in this fixture is notable, as he scored and assisted within 22 minutes in last season’s corresponding match.

Tactical Battle

• Wolves’ Approach:
   Pereira will look to build on their attacking momentum from the Leicester game, with Cunha and Guedes driving forward. Wolves must tighten their defensive structure to avoid conceding early, as their porous backline has often undermined their efforts.
• United’s Approach:
   Amorim’s side will aim to control possession and exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities through quick transitions. With Højlund and Marcus Rashford in attack, United will look to capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacking opportunities.

What’s at Stake?

• Wolves: A win could lift Wolves out of the relegation zone and provide further momentum under Pereira.
• Manchester United: Victory would boost morale and help United climb back into the top half of the table, easing the pressure on Amorim.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Wolves have won just one of their last 12 Premier League meetings with Manchester United (W1, D3, L8).
• United have an active four-match winning streak at Molineux.
• Wolves have conceded 20 goals in eight home matches, the second-worst home defensive record in the league.
• Rasmus Højlund scored and assisted in last season’s corresponding fixture.

Prediction

Wolves’ resurgence under Pereira and home advantage make this a potentially tricky test for Manchester United. However, United’s superior attacking quality and their strong record at Molineux could tip the scales in their favour. Expect a competitive clash with goals at both ends.

Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Manchester United

This Boxing Day fixture promises intensity and drama as Wolves seek to continue their revival and United look for consistency.

Can Pereira inspire another memorable performance, or will Amorim’s United find a way to steady the ship? Fans are in for an engaging encounter at Molineux.

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Wolves v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League