First of all, merry Christmas and I hope it was a good one.

But anyway, I had a bad feeling ahead of the game against Bournemouth and to be honest, that feeling hasn’t completely gone.

The last couple of games have been very poor from United to a point where I’ve lost some confidence in the team. We’ve been inconsistent since Amorim’s arrival with his PL record reading:

Games - 6

Wins - 2

Draws - 1

Losses - 3

Wolves away will be another tough test.

‍

Predicted lineup

It’s super difficult to predict Ruben Amorim’s lineups as he’s constantly changing it. That rotation is something he says he has to do because of injury rather than because he still is unsure on his best XI.

With that in mind, this is my lineup:

‍

I’ve gone for a back three of Yoro, Maguire and Martinez. The manager said that De Ligt was sick so I’m not sure whether he’ll be back for this one.

‍

In midfield, I’m sure Ugarte will start along with Mainoo. I don’t think this pair has worked that well but they are still better than any other duo in my opinion.

Wing-backs to be Mazraoui and Dalot. Malacia's performance against Bournemouth left a lot to be desired as he really was very average (at best). I don't think Amorim will be starting him any time soon unless he absolutely has to.

The front three will be Amad, Bruno and Hojlund. Much like the midfield, I feel like this trio is our best in attack.

‍

Approach

Games between these two sides are usually quite close and boring. However, with a new manager playing his first home game, it could be anybody’s guess as to what Wolves will be like.

They will come out of the blocks quickly which could find us on the back foot. We could struggle in the opening minutes if that is the case.

This means that United will have to try and start off well because that sets the tone of the game. Against Bournemouth, United never started and subsequently, never got going.

The game had moments but in the end, the overall performance was lacking in many aspects.

‍

I think the absence of De Ligt in defense has been understated. We don’t look as confident and comfortable at the back without him. The Dutchman has this ability to help the back line feel very settled and organized something which we don’t have when he isn't there.

In the two games in his absence, United lost both and conceded 7. We don’t look the same without him.

‍

The attack has been wasteful as well which doesn’t help. United had 23 shots but just 7 on target in our last match whereas Bournemouth had 10 shots with 5 on target scoring 3 of them.

That coupled with mistakes led to that harrowing 3-0 defeat. These silly errors have been one of the main downfalls of Amorim’s team since he took over.

Take that away and put the chances in the back of the net, we should’ve had more points in some games that we lost.

‍

Form

United remain in 13th after the loss to Bournemouth which should be a little bit of a positive. We at least didn’t go further down 🤣.

‍

After defeat last Sunday, MUFC have now lost more games (7) than they’ve won (6). We’ve also drawn 4 games giving us a total 22 points.

That points haul is an ominous sign as Reading had the same amount and ended up getting relegated in season 07/08.

I don’t think we’ll get relegated but…

‍

Even though our last away game was at the Emptihad which ended in victory, United maintain that 13th spot away from home. In fact, we’re 13th in the home table as well.

We seem to like the number 13, the unlucky number.

Only Brentford (6), Everton (5) and Southampton (4) have scored fewer goals in the road than United with 8.

‍

Wolves

As we know, Vitor Pereira is the new man in charge at Molineaux and after having won his first match 3-0 at Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester, they will definitely be up for his first home game against a side that is low on confidence.

Wolves are worse than United as they are 18th and struggling and much like MUFC, sacked their manager Gary O’Neil and are looking for an upturn in fortunes with the new boss.

This could work in their favor with the whole new manager bounce.

‍

Wolves’ record doesn’t read too well as in their 17 matches, they’ve only won three games! Wolves have also drawn three and lost a staggering 11! Only Southampton with one win and 13 losses are worse.

Weirdly though, they have scored more goals than United with 27 compared to our 21 but have conceded 40 which is the most in the league. That is an average of 2.4 goals conceded per game.

‍

At home, Wolves are 8th in the home table with one win, one draw and six losses in nine games. Again, only Southampton have a worse record and have conceded more goals.

‍

Matheus Cunha is a hot topic at the moment for Wolves as he has 9 goals the joint fourth-highest in the league. Conversely, United’s top scorer is Bruno with 4 goals.

Cunha is a player we have to be so weary of.

‍

Recent Meetings

United have won four of the last four meetings between the two the last of which was a 4-3 thriller in this fixture last season. Kobbie Mainoo scored a wonder goal to win it in the last minute.

I wouldn’t mind a game like that again.

The last time Wolves beat us was in 21/22 when a Joao Moutinho goal gave them the 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

‍

Prediction

I do think this is going to be another tight game. I can see both sides being a bit cagey at times and if one is to come out on top, it will be by the odd goal.

I’m going for a 1-0 or 2-1 win to United.

We need this win because well, just because. 13th in the league is embarrassing and Amorim is desperate for victory even if he is saying that he’s not worried about it being Christmas.

Let’s hope that he can get the gift he wants anyway.

‍

Background Image: Manuel Ugarte | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)