United line up against Wolves at Old Trafford to kick off their Premier League campaign today at 8:00 pm BST. The Red Devils will look to get a jump on many of their top-four rivals after Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs all dropped points in their opening games.
A good start is vital, especially considering how poor last season’s opening two games were. Erik Ten Hag will expect his side to bring back all 3 points after that final whistle is blown.
What to Expect From Wolves
Wolves have undergone a late managerial change just a week before the season started. Lopetegui’s class was on full display at Wolves last season. After replacing Bruno Lage in November 2022 he transformed Wolves into a hard team to beat and secured their safety in the Prem.
All was looking set for Wolves to have a comfortable season however after a lack of transfer activity and their manager walking out a week before the season it may not be a smooth ride anymore.
They have brought in Gary O’Neil to replace Lopetegui. O’Neil secured safety for Bournemouth last season which was unexpected. He has proven that he is a capable manager for the Premier League.
O’Neil has not had the time to implement his playstyle into his Wolves side meaning United will be facing an unorganised Wolves side in their opening fixture.
Ten Hag also did the double over O’Neil last season including a 3-0 win. ETH will be looking to carry on his form against the English manager and secure an opening win for the Red Devils.
How Could United Line Up
United have two new signings available for their opening fixture with Hojlund being out due to a small injury that he picked up during Atalata pre-season.
The back 5 for United is expected to be Onana, Shaw, Martinez and either Dalot or AWB. the RB position still looks to be up for grabs with Dalot and Wn-Bissaka fighting for it.
The midfield picks itself with Casemiro being a staple, Mount all but guaranteed a starting position and Bruno leading United out of the tunnel.
United’s front three isn’t as easy to predict however the most likely attack for United will be Garnacho, Rashford and Antony. Sancho may find himself in a starting position having played on the wing and down the middle during pre-season. Ten Hag has trusted Rashford at 9 since he arrived and with Hojlund out he is the most likely candidate to fill their spot.
Martial has only just returned to training at Carrington, according to reports from Manchester Evening News. It is unlikely that he will start however may find himself on United’s bench.
Predictions
With a Wolves side in disarray, Manchester United should put them away easily. Erik Ten Hag’s United side does not score an abundance of goals so a 2-0 score prediction is fairly modest.
United fans should expect a victory and a comfortable game throughout. How Onana’s play style will affect United’s press and the transition will be interesting. United should look more expansive with a ball-playing keeper in goal.
Wolves will try to be tight however with Bruno and Mount’s influence on the game, breaking their defence down shouldn’t be impossible.
