Seeking to return to winning ways in the Premier League, Manchester United travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday evening.
Two weeks after playing out an entertaining 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils avoided an FA Cup scare when they beat League Two side Newport County 4-2 at Rodney Parade on Sunday. With the win over Newport County, they advanced to the last 16 of the FA Cup and will face Bristol City or Nottingham Forest.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now preparing themselves for a run of five consecutive Premier League games and will attempt to build some positive momentum in their desire to climb from ninth position in European places. However, they start the run with a tricky fixture against Wolves, who are on a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Manchester United Team News
Marcus Rashford reported ill for training last Friday and subsequently missed the FA Cup tie with Newport County. Manchester United have officially addressed the recent controversy surrounding the forward and the matter is closed, with the England international set to be available for the trip to Wolves.
Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Harry Maguire all got their first minutes of 2024, while Lisandro Martinez made his first start for the club after undergoing a foot operation in September. Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the Newport game due to injury and remains doubtful, but Andre Onana is due back from his AFCON commitments, following Cameroon’s exit in the last 16, and Erik ten Hag feels he would be an option for selection for the game against Wolves.
Elsewhere, Sofyan Amrabat’s Morocco were eliminated from the AFCON by South Africa on Tuesday night, and he could return to Manchester in the coming days.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Altay Bayindir enjoyed a solid Man United bow against Newport in the FA Cup on Sunday, making a few key saves in the second half. Yet, the Turkish shot-stopper is expected to drop to the bench with Andre Onana walking straight back into the first XI against Wolves after a forgettable AFCON.
Defence
Lisandro Martinez was back in the XI at Newport after months out due to injury, and the Argentinean is now poised to make his first Premier League start since September. He will pair up with Raphael Varane in central defence, with fit-again Harry Maguire an option on the bench.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were excellent in the FA Cup win over Newport and deserve to keep their places at right-back and left-back, respectively.
Midfield
Casemiro made his long-awaited return from injury on Sunday and looked solid at Rodney Parade. The Brazilian is expected to anchor Man United’s midfield alongside young Kobbie Mainoo, who scored his first senior goal for the club against Newport in the FA Cup.
Bruno Fernandes produced a Man of the Match display against Newport and remains an undisputed starter for Ten Hag’s side. He will operate in the No.10 role, trying to unlock the Wolves defence with his vision and flair.
Attack
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho terrorised the Newport defence with their pace, dynamism and movement, and the South American duo are expected to retain their spots on the flanks. Rasmus Hojlund will be raring to get himself on the scoresheet again after scoring two goals in the last two outings.
Marcus Rashford could be introduced off the bench if the Red Devils need more thrust and pace in attack.
