Manchester United will look to begin 2022 the way they ended the previous year when they welcome Wolverhampton to Old Trafford on January third for their 19th game of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
Venue: Old Trafford
Key Statistics – Manchester United vs Wolves
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.
The Red Devils have won four of their last five Premier League games.
They have scored 24 goals in 15 games against the visitors.
Wolves have won just one of their last six league games (D3, L2).
They have scored just 13 league goals this season. Only Norwich City (8) have scored fewer goals.
However, they have conceded 14 goals so far. Only Man City (12) have conceded fewer league goals.
46 yellow cards and two red cards have been given out in this fixture. Each team has received 23 yellow cards and one red card.
Head to head
Both teams have met 15 times in the Premier League. Manchester United won nine times in those meetings, while the Wolves had three wins (D3).
Latest Performances in all competitions
Man United: W-D-W-D-W
Wolves: D-W-L-L-D
Manchester United
Manchester United ended 2021 on a high note following a 3-1 win over Burnley last Thursday.
The Red Devils were in danger of starting the year outside of the top six for the first time since 1989 had they lost to Burnley.
But an early goal from Scott McTominay, followed by an own goal from Ben Mee and a Cristiano Ronaldo goal from close range, secured the win for Ralf Rangnick’s side, ensuring that they begin the new year sitting in sixth place.
The win extended Manchester United’s unbeaten run since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to eight games. However, it was the first time under Rangnick that the Old Trafford club had scored more than a goal in a game.
Although the German has not tasted defeat since he was employed, he is yet to register back-to-back wins in all competitions. He won two on the bounce in the league against Crystal Palace and Norwich. But a 1-1 draw with Villareal in the Champions League was sandwiched between those wins. The aforementioned win against Norwich was followed by a 1-1 draw with Newcastle, proving that United are yet to click under Rangnick.
But the hosts showed signs of chemistry in their win over Burnley. They will be desperate to ensure that they reproduce such a performance and result and begin the year on a high note.
Possible Manchester United starting line-ups
David de Gea; Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood.
Injured: Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba
Doubtful: Eric Bailly
Suspended: None
Wolves
Wolves will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to Manchester in early January.
The visitors could not play their last two Premier League fixtures due to a coronavirus outbreak in their squad.
But they will now return to action after 14 days, looking to pick up just their second win in eight games.
After an indifferent start to the season, Bruno Lage has steadied the ship at the Molineux with his side currently sitting in eight on the league table.
However, his side have taken just five points from the last available 15, making them one of the worse sides over that period.
They will come into this tie hoping to improve their recent record while picking up the points that will secure their position in the top half of the table.
Possible Wolves starting line-ups
Jose Sa, Max Kilman, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss; Ki-Jana Hoever, Leander Dendoncker, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Fernado Marcel; Daniel Pondence; Raul Jimenez.
Injured: Willy Boly, Rayan Ait Nouri, Hee-Chan Hwang, Pedro Neto, Yerson Mosquera, Jonny
Doubtful: Fabio Silva
Suspended: None
Prediction
Man United 2-1 Wolves
