Manchester United host newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in match six of the Premier League season. Just one point separates the sides going into Saturday’s fixture.
While Wolves have shown they are capable of playing at the Premier League level, Manchester United have disappointed early on. The Red Devils have already lost twice this season and narrowly escaped Vicarage Road with a win against Watford last weekend.
Jose Mourinho’s team will be full of confidence going into the match, however. Manchester United defeated Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday night, 3-0. They had the match done and dusted by halftime thanks to two goals from Paul Pogba. Anthony Martial added a third in the second half to send Young Boys away with a loss.
Wolves will pose a much more difficult proposition on Saturday. Wolves have already taken points off of Manchester City and go into the match with back to back wins. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has a team that will play hard for a full 90 minutes. While Wolves haven’t scored many goals, just five so far in five matches, they have played well in defence. Wolverhampton have conceded just five goals this term. They have given up the fourth fewest goals in the Premier League, three fewer than Manchester United.
Manchester United lost their last home match in the league against Tottenham. The Red Devils allowed three goals on the night without reply. However, having won back to back games in all competitions will buoy the team.
The two clubs haven’t met since 2012 when Wolves last appeared in the Premier League. Between 2010 and Wolves’ relegation in 2012, the sides met six times with Manchester United winning five of those meetings. Of course, both clubs were far different than they are today. Manchester United had Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout while Wolves were yet to receive their injection of cash that has brought top players from Portugal to the team. Wolves did claim a home win against Manchester United in 2011.
Mourinho may have injuries to worry about following the team’s Champions League success. Due to playing on an artificial surface in Switzerland, it is believed the Red Devils may have a few players nursing injuries going into the weekend.
Despite the worry over player fitness, Manchester United will once again claim victory on Saturday moving to 12 points from 18. It will be a narrow win with Manchester United just edging out Wolves in the end.