While the Manchester United fans are still buzzing after last week’s 4-0 rout of Chelsea, in reality, the score-line was certainly flattering given the performance United put up, to say the least. However, they will be looking to make the momentum count as they face a very difficult-to-break unit in Wolves, who will definitely pose a different kind of threat than Chelsea did to Ole’s lads.
When the Red Devils travel to Molineux, Ole must come up with something to finally end Manchester United’s winless streak against Wolves in recent times. Considering United fail to either win or take a point from this Monday night fixture, they will complete a hat trick of losses against Wolves, who went undefeated against United in all competitions last season.
Wolves will certainly be looking to sit deep and defend strong by cramping United for room, making it extremely cumbersome for them to get past their backline. Also, United must be wary of the fact that their opponents are dangerous from the set-pieces and can launch their own counter-attacks when required.
As the game approaches, let us take a look at 5 players who could be the key difference makers in what promises to be a closely contested encounter between two quality sides.
Raul Jiménez
The 28-year-old Mexican international was involved in seven Premier League goals against the top six teams last season, scoring four and setting up three. He has been in fine touch this season as well, netting a brace against Northern Ireland’s Crusaders FC in a Europa League qualifier. It will be interesting to see how he fares against United’s new recruit Harry Maguire.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is relishing the pressure of being Manchester United’s new number 9. He used to play in the central striking role in his debut season but Jose shifted him to the left-wing, and now, under Ole, Martial is absolutely delighted to get back to his favourite position on the pitch. Martial’s goal against Chelsea was a clinical display of finishing and he will be seen interchanging positions with Rashford over the 90 minutes, trying to unsettle the Wolves defence.
Paul Pogba
From the start of the season, amidst all the rumours of Real Madrid wanting to shell out ridiculous amounts of cash to prise him away, Ole has been very optimistic about Pogba staying put at Old Trafford and unlocking his world-beating potential at the Manchester club this season.
Well, Ole’s faith certainly paid dividends as Pogba was brilliant at Stamford Bridge last week, controlling and dominating the centre of the park as well as assisting two goals, among which the one from which Rashford scored was magnificent. United will hope Pogba is at his creative best against Wolves as well, as he could well be the key that unlocks the tightly sealed Wolves backline.
Diogo Jota
Jota has been impressive ever since manager Nuno Espirito Santo allowed the 22-year-old to partner Raul Jimenez up front, in a two-man forward line rather than out wide where he was not naturally comfortable. The duo is chiefly menacing on the counter-attack and United will have a difficult time trying to contain these two.
Jota also has a knack for the spectacular, proof of which is the stunning acrobatic volley he scored against Armenian side Pyunik. If the Jota – Jimenez duo is on song, it could spell doom for Manchester United at the Molineux.
Harry Maguire
United require solidity at the back against sharp counter-attacking teams like Wolves against whom, the likelihood of getting caught venturing forward remains pretty high. Who better than Harry Maguire, the new hero for the Old Trafford faithful to get United out of such uncalled for situations.
Nicknamed ‘slab head’, Harry is a beast in the air and wins most of the aerial challenges he commits to and last week’s fixture proved no different. He looked composed against Chelsea, stepping in with timely interceptions when necessary and when on the ball, usually looks for forward passes which are beneficial for United for the purpose of launching counter-attacks of their own.