‘New’ kick-off time for Man United vs. Wolves – prediction, team news, lineups
On the back of one of the most iconic comebacks in the club’s history, Manchester United will aim to maintain their momentum when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The hosts’ stunning three-goal burst in six extra-time minutes secured their midweek comeback, while the visitors arrive brimming with confidence after four consecutive victories.
Match preview
Manchester United’s 2024-25 campaign hung in the balance as they trailed Lyon 4-2 on Thursday night and 6-4 on aggregate with just minutes of extra-time left to play, but a breath-taking burst of three goals in six minutes saw the Red Devils pull off yet another famous European comeback.
The triumph booked Man Utd’s place in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and given their league season has been nothing short of a disaster – already recording their worst-ever Premier League campaign – the Red Devils are hanging their hat on success in Europe.
Ruben Amorim has emphasised that European glory will take precedence, hinting that Man Utd’s kids may feature in the league to rest senior stars, but the Red Devils will still want to maintain their positive momentum on Sunday.
Man United have failed to win any of their last three Premier League outings, with two defeats and one draw – results that have seen Amorim’s men slip to 14th in the league standings, with just 38 points.
Although relegation is unlikely, needing only two points from the 18 available to secure survival, the Red Devils will be eager to avoid slipping further down the table, with a 17th-placed finish still possible, making Sunday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers a must-win encounter.
Wolves have been viewed as something of a bogey team for the Red Devils since their promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2018-19 season, with the Old Gold winning four, drawing four, and losing eight of their 16 encounters since.
Sunday’s visitors have been less successful in their trips to Old Trafford, managing only one victory in their last 13 visits, but given their strong form heading into the clash, Vitor Pereira’s side have every right to be full of confidence.
Wolves have taken 13 points from the last 15 available in the Premier League, including four consecutive victories, featuring a particularly impressive 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in their most recent match.
Those results have extended their lead over the drop zone to a significant 14 points, meaning they require five points or for the gap to extend to 16 points on Sunday, which would confirm Ipswich Town as the final relegated side.
Wolves have been at their best when on the road this season, taking 18 of their 35 points away from home, while they have lost only one of their last six matches in 90 minutes on their travels.
Manchester United Premier League form:
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Manchester United form (all competitions):
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Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form:
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Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions):
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Team News
Manchester United will be without as many as seven players for Sunday’s clash with Wolves, including Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Toby Collyer and Ayden Heaven.
Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof both left Old Trafford at half-time of their Europa League match due to family matters, but the pair are expected to be back available on Sunday.
Changes are expected as Man Utd aim to rest their key players for their upcoming Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao, meaning the likes of Harry Amass, Christian Eriksen and Lindelof could start.
Wolves are equally dealing with a number of injury issues, as Enso Gonzalez, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Leon Chiwome, Pedro Lima, Sasa Kalajdzic and Yerson Mosquera could miss out, while Matt Doherty has a knock but should be able to feature.
Matheus Cunha returned to the bench after serving his four-game suspension, marking his comeback with a goal against Spurs, and the Brazilian could come back into the starting side.
The remainder of the side that featured in that 4-2 victory last weekend is expected to start here, with Jorgen Strand Larsen leading the line after scoring five in his last four games.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Yoro, Lindelof, Shaw; Dalot, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Fernandes, Garnarcho; Hojlund
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, T Gomes; Semedo, Andre, J Gomes, Nouri; Munetsi, Cunha; Larsen
We say: Manchester United 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
While Man Utd will be buoyed from their Europa League comeback, the visitors have impressive taken 13 points from their last five games, and we believe Wolves will continue that run with all three points on Sunday.
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