Vítor Pereira couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to life as Wolves’ manager, with his team delivering a dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday.
That much-needed win not only ended a four-match losing streak but also brought Wolves within striking distance of safety, narrowing the gap to just two points. However, Pereira will know there’s no time to rest on his laurels, especially with Manchester United next on the horizon. Wolves have struggled in recent meetings with the Red Devils, securing only one victory in their last 12 encounters.
For perhaps the first time this season, Wolves can approach a game with a sense of belief. That said, their struggles at Molineux remain a significant concern. A dismal return of just four points from eight home league matches highlights their troubles, with the team conceding 20 goals on home turf—second only to Southampton. Their lone home win this season came against the Saints, which doesn’t bode well for their hopes of consecutive clean sheets in the league, a feat they haven’t managed since January.
Manchester United, meanwhile, remain a team that defies easy predictions under Ruben Amorim. Their last eight matches have been a tale of extremes, evenly split between victories and defeats. These results have come in pairs, leaving fans and pundits scratching their heads. Adding to their inconsistency, the Red Devils suffered a humbling 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford just before Christmas, marking the second straight December they’ve been outclassed by the Cherries on home soil.
Amorim hasn’t shied away from acknowledging his team’s struggles, describing the current situation as “so hard” following their latest setback. The numbers back him up: this is the first time Manchester United will spend Christmas in the bottom half of the table since the 1989/90 season. However, there are glimmers of hope. A spirited 2-1 win at Manchester City recently reminded everyone of United’s potential, and they now have the chance to notch back-to-back away league victories for the first time since February. Their impressive record at Molineux, where they’ve won their last four visits, further boosts their confidence heading into this clash.
For Wolves, the spotlight is likely to fall on Matheus Cunha, who has often found himself isolated in attack this season. Fortunately, Gonçalo Guedes has stepped up to ease the burden, contributing directly to six goals in his last eight appearances, including a goal and an assist in the Leicester triumph. His creativity could be pivotal if Wolves are to break through United’s defense.
On the visitors’ side, Rasmus Højlund could play a crucial role as they aim to bounce back. United’s failure to score against Bournemouth marked the sixth time this season they’ve drawn a blank in the league. Højlund, who made an instant impact in last season’s corresponding fixture with a goal and an assist inside 22 minutes, may be the key to reigniting their attacking threat.
Historically, matches between these two sides tend to be tightly contested affairs. Since Wolves’ return to the Premier League in 2018, 15 meetings across all competitions have produced just one game decided by more than a one-goal margin. This suggests fans at Molineux could be in for another closely fought contest.
Both teams have plenty at stake. For Wolves, it’s a chance to build on Pereira’s promising start and climb out of the relegation zone. For Manchester United, it’s about finding consistency and reigniting a campaign that has fallen short of expectations.
As the festive football schedule heats up, this match promises to deliver drama. Wolves will look to harness the energy of their new manager bounce, while United aim to steady the ship and remind the league of their pedigree. With both sides desperate for points, this Boxing Day encounter could prove decisive in shaping their respective seasons.
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