Manchester United raised expectations in their first match of the Premier League season. The Red Devils ran out 4-0 winners against Chelsea thanks to a defence-shredding counter-attack.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope to do the same again on Monday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Manchester United won’t be able to ‘break’ on Wolves quite like they did against Chelsea.
Wolverhampton Wanderers took four points from six against Manchester United last season. The Black Country club drew at Old Trafford before winning 2-1 at Molineaux. Wolves also picked up a 2-1 win at Molineaux in the FA Cup against the Red Devils.
Confidence will be high in the Wolverhampton Wanderers team. However, they are coming off of a midweek Europa League match against FC Pyunik. Wolves gained a 4-0 victory to win the tie 8-0. They now go into the playoff round against Torino.
Manchester United have just two injury worries ahead of Monday night. Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will both miss out with injuries.
Forward Alexis Sanchez could make the team. The Chilean returned late from the Copa America and is still getting his fitness back.
Solskjaer’s team only kept 45% possession against Chelsea while tallying 11 shots. Despite the low figures, Manchester United made their possession count during the fixture.
Marcus Rashford scored twice for Manchester United. Anthony Martial played a central striker role and also scored for the Red Devils.
Wolverhampton Wanderers drew nil-nil with Leicester City to open the season. They had a goal chalked off due to VAR. Despite the draw, Wolverhampton Wanderers looked strong defensively throughout the fixture.
Even with Leicester City pushing for a goal in the second half, Wolverhampton Wanderers couldn’t be broken down. It was Wolves’ defence that made them so difficult to beat a season ago. Wolverhampton Wanderers conceded just 46 goals which was fewer allowed than Manchester United or Arsenal.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has no injuries reported but Wolves’ players have already played a lot of football. Wolverhampton Wanderers have played five times in all competitions already and that fatigue will set in on Monday.
Although Wolves are yet to lose in five games, coming off of a Thursday night fixture will be energy zapping. Wolverhampton Wanderers looked tired late in the game against Leicester City and that will doom them against Manchester United.
Monday night’s match will finish with a Manchester United victory as they finally overcome their Molineaux jinx.