Wolves vs Manchester United Preview: United on the Road to Redemption while Wolves fight for a Lifeline

Manchester United are once again looking to extend their impressive away form to five unbeaten with a trip to Molineux as Wolves welcome United on Monday night. Both clubs are arriving at a crucial juncture of the season albeit for very different reasons. Wolves are still looking for their first win of the season while United need to capitalise on other league results. However it seems like a tough task for United as they return to a ground that has seen them struggle in recent memory.

Last season, Wolves shocked United by completing a rare league double - winning 2-0 at home and following with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. This was a feat that has not been managed since 1980. Wolves can be very comfortable with this fact and will not be intimidated especially with their current fight of survival. On the other hand, Manchester United can draw comfort from the fact that they have not lost consecutive league matches at Molineux.

Going into the match, Wolves are wanting to avoid the most devastating feat for a Premier League club - that being the worst Premier League side of all time. Only two points in 14 matches find themselves battling Derby County for that title. With that devastating endeavour looming, their attacking form is also cause for concern. Wolves have failed to score in their last five league games, contributing to a run of seven straight league defeats. Confidence is running very low with pressure mounting on both players and staff.

Manchester United enter this match after a disappointing result against another struggling Premier League side. A 1-1 draw at home against West Ham, once again, created pressure on the manager. Dropped points for United see them sitting in 12th while a win would have seen them sitting in the Champions League places. This has been the norm for Manchester United this season with rival clubs seemingly also dropping points, United have the chance to capitalise but choose to crumble under pressure. What is worse is the fact that United are the second worst defensive team in the Premier League with only one clean sheet, The team above them - Wolves. There are positives to mention, however, with captain Bruno Fernandes continuing to be the creative heartbeat of United’s attack. Having assisted in every United away fixture, his influence could be decisive against a Wolves side struggling for structure and belief.

TEAM NEWS:

Wolves are without midfielder Joao Gomes as he remains suspended, depriving Wolves of a key midfield presence

Marshall Munetsi is sidelined with injury while defenders Hugo Bueno and Ladislav Krejic are doubts for Monday’s fixture.

In terms of United, Thursday saw the return of Matheus Cunha after he was out with a head injury. He is returning to his former home where he provided 33 goals in 92 appearances.

November’s Player of the Month, Matthijs De Ligt was missing for the game against West Ham but Ruben Amorim has hinted that the defender will be fit to play. Goalscorer Diogo Dalot left the pitch after picking up a knock but seems likely to be available for selection.

It is also important to notice Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo. The Manchester United manager has come under scrutiny from media and fans for his treatment of the young midfielder. It will be interesting to see his team selection and if he will give Kobbie his first start this season.

There are also no updates for Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire who have missed the last few games with injury so assume that they will be missing for the Monday night fixture.

Albeit it seems like an easy game for United but expect a tight and tense contest for both fans. Man United will feel that they must win, while Wolves may see this game as their last real chance to reignite a fading season.