In the first game of the 2023/24 season, Man Utd narrowly won 1-0 against Wolves, but it was clear that Wolves had the upper hand. Wolves managed to outplay Man Utd’s high press and create several scoring opportunities. Both teams have continued with the same tactics since then – Man Utd struggling with counters and transitions, while Wolves excel at capitalising on turnovers.
Man Utd have faced 446 progressive carries and 442 attempted take-ons this season, while Wolves have made 244 successful take-ons and 24 fast breaks. It’s clear that Wolves are more likely to score on the counter at home.
Wolves have been unbeaten in their last eight matches at Molineux, earning 14 points since December. In contrast, Man Utd have lost three of their last four away matches, scoring only once.
This is a great chance for Wolves to take advantage of Man Utd’s poor form and level the playing field by earning three points.
WATCH FOR OUR PREDICTIONS AND THOUGHTS AS WE PREVIEW WOLVES V MANCHESTER UNITED
TEAM NEWS
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has completed his three-game suspension and is now back in contention.
Hwang Hee-chan of South Korea is still away at the Asian Cup, and Boubacar Traore remains with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite being involved in what the club referred to as an “internal disciplinary matter”, Marcus Rashford is available for Manchester United. He missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport County and had reportedly been seen at nightspots in Northern Ireland before arriving unwell to training. Manager Erik ten Hag has stated that he considers the “case closed” as Rashford has “taken responsibility”.
Andre Onana is back following Cameroon’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Sofyan Amrabat, who was part of the Morocco side knocked out by South Africa on Tuesday, may not be fully fit for the upcoming game.
Anthony Martial is currently recovering from groin surgery, and Mason Mount is not yet fully fit.
GARY O'NEIL
Here are the key points from the press conference:
- Wolves are still trying to sign a new striker before Thursday’s transfer deadline, but O’Neil didn’t comment on reports linking the club with Chelsea’s Armando Broja.
- However, he did confirm that a deal to sign Paris St-Germain forward Noha Lemina, brother of Wolves midfielder Mario, is close. “He’s an exciting young talent, maybe not expected to impact the first-team group instantly, but that doesn’t mean he won’t because he has some fantastic attributes”
- O’Neil mentioned that it’s “not ideal” the transfer deadline falls on the same day as a Premier League fixture. “If I have to choose between the two, I’ll 100% focus on the game. [Sporting director] Matt Hobbs and the recruitment team are working hard to try to do something to help the group.”
- Pablo Sarabia is fit and available to face United after missing the FA Cup win at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, while Rayan Ait-Nouri, who came off the bench at The Hawthorns after appearing for Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, is fit to start. Midfielder Joao Gomes is also available for selection after completing a three-match suspension.
- The defeat by United in Wolves’ opening match of the season was a “good starting point” for O’Neil’s reign, and he believes his team has made significant tactical improvements since that 1-0 loss at Old Trafford.
MATCH FACTS & STATS
Head-to-head
- Wolves’ 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on 3 January 2022, courtesy of a goal from Joao Moutinho, is their only win in their past 11 league and cup games against Manchester United (D3, L7).
- The Reds have won six of their previous seven league matches versus Wolves.
- Just 11 goals have been scored in the past 10 meetings in all competitions.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Wolves lost four of their opening five league fixtures this season but have been beaten in only four of their subsequent 16 league games (W7, D5).
- They have scored 30 Premier League goals this season, one short of their final total in 2023-24.
- Wolves have netted in 17 consecutive top-flight home games, their longest such run since 1968.
- Gary O’Neil’s team are undefeated in eight home league matches (W5, D3) since losing 3-1 to Liverpool on 16 September.
- O’Neil has lost all three of his Premier League fixtures as a manager against Manchester United, with his team (Bournemouth and Wolves) failing to score in each of those defeats.
Manchester United
- The Red Devils have taken one point and scored one goal in their last four away league fixtures (D1, L3).
- They have not lost a top-flight match in the month of February since being beaten at Newcastle in 2018, going unbeaten in their last 22 such games (W13, D9).
- United’s tally of nine Premier League away goals is the joint-second lowest this season, with only Sheffield United netting fewer on their travels.
- Nine of Manchester United’s 10 league wins this season have been by a single-goal margin.
- Marcus Rashford has scored seven Premier League goals on a Thursday, a total exceeded only by Harry Kane (10).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Jarred Gillett. Assistants: Darren Cann, Derek Eaton. Fourth official: Graham Scott. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Neil Davies.
MATCH INFO
The match kicks off at 8.15pm on Thursday 1st February at Molineux Stadium. The match is shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.
Check out the interview with Beth from United Stand to find out more about Thursday night’s opposition Manchester United