Manchester United will be looking to close the gap with fourth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
The Red Devils ended the calendar year 2021 on a high by winning 3-1 against Burnley at home. They have won four out of their last five league games, keeping their hopes of a top-four finish alive.
The Mancunian side played their best bit of football under interim manager Ralf Rangnick against Burnley and the German tactician would want to see more of the same from his team against a tough-to-beat Wolves side.
Manchester United Team News
Bruno Fernandes is back in contention after serving his one-game suspension against Burnley. Victor Lindelof could be available for selection on Monday if he returns a Covid-19 negative test.
Paul Pogba is still sidelined with a muscle injury, while Anthony Martial has made it clear that he wants to leave the club for regular game time this month, confirmed Rangnick on Sunday.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Wolves (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in outstanding form this season and deserves to keep his place in the Manchester United goal against Wolves.
Defence
In the Man United backline, Raphael Varane is certain to come in with the manager facing a crisis at the back. Varane, who came on in the 65th minute against Burnley replacing Bailly could infact partner him with Harry Maguire picking up an injury today.
Phil Jones also has an outside chance if Eric Bailly fails to make the fitness cut.
Rangnick could decide to freshen up his full-back options by bringing in Diogo Dalot back at right-back at the expense of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Luke Shaw had a good game against Burnley last week and there are chances of Rangnick persisting with the Englishman at left-back.
Midfield
Fred could return in midfield in place of Nemanja Matic. The diminutive Brazilian will partner Scott McTominay, who put in a Man-Of-The-Match display in the 3-1 win over Burnley, in the Red Devils midfield.
Bruno Fernandes’ availability is a big boost to Rangnick, with the Portuguese playmaker expected to walk straight into the Man United lineup. Fernandes, along with Jadon Sancho, will provide creativity and flair as the Old Trafford outfit will look to breach a well-drilled Wolves backline.
Attack
Having played the entire game against Burnley, Edinson Cavani could drop down to the bench. An out of sorts Marcus Rashford could come in for the ageing Uruguayan and provide the attack with pace and energy to stretch the Wolves defence.
Partnering Rashford up front in the Man United lineup will be none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who took his tally to 14 goals for the season last week with a tap-in finish in the 3-1 victory over Burnley.