Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

United finally found something to cling to over the festive period, grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day that eased pressure and kept them within touching distance of the European places. 

That result marked a small but significant step forward for Ruben Amorim, whose tactical rethink appears to be gaining traction.

Despite earlier insisting on a back-three system, Amorim opted for a more conventional setup against Newcastle, and the change paid dividends. 

The win was particularly noteworthy as it arrived without Bruno Fernandes, representing United’s first league victory in his absence since March 2022. 

Overall, the Red Devils have now suffered just two defeats in their last 12 league matches, collecting six wins and four draws along the way.

Old Trafford has once again become a difficult venue for visiting sides, with United losingonly once at home since the opening weekend of the season (W5, D2). 

Against the league’s bottom club, they will view this as a prime opportunity to post back-to-back league victories for the first time in months.

Wolves, meanwhile, continue to search desperately for answers. Their 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool at the weekend extended a grim sequence that has seen them take just two points from their first 18 league fixtures, a record low in top-flight history. 

That loss also marked their 11th consecutive Premier League defeat, further deepening their relegation fears.

While results have been bleak, performances away from home have at least been respectable in recent weeks. 

Rob Edwards’ side have lost their last six league matches on the road, but the most recent three were all narrow defeats against Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa, suggesting they remain competitive despite the results.

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Manchester United dominated the reverse fixture earlier this month, running out convincing 4-1 winners at Molineux. 

That result was one of eight league victories United have recorded across the most recent Premier League meetings between the sides.

United’s squad remains stretched by injuries and international absences. Club captain Bruno Fernandes is still unavailable, while Mason Mount is a major doubt after being withdrawn at half-time against Newcastle. Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Harry Maguire (thigh) are also sidelined.

Further limiting Amorim’s options, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Wolves are also dealing with defensive issues, with centre-backs Toti Gomes (hamstring) and Emmanuel Agbadou unavailable, the latter due to AFCON duty. 

There was at least some encouragement at Anfield, where wing-back Hugo Bueno returned to action.

Additional absentees include Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Marshall Munetsi, Daniel Bentley, and Tawanda Chirewa. 

With Jorgen Strand Larsen struggling to rediscover last season’s form, Tolu Arokodare may again lead the line alongside teenage forward Mateus Mane.

Manchester United: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Martinez; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Shaw; Dorgu, Cunha; Sesko

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; Doherty, J. Gomes, Andre, H. Bueno; Hwang, Mane; Arokodare

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United may not be firing on all cylinders, but their improved defensive structure and home advantage should be enough against a Wolves side desperately low on confidence.

Correct score prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Wolves

Betting tips:

Manchester United to win

Wolves under 1.5 goals

Manchester United over 1.5 goals