Firstly, I am looking forward to getting back to Old Trafford and supporting the team. It has been a long summer but at least Manchester United have conducted their business wisely in the transfer market. We can go into Erik ten Hag’s second season with optimism and feeling that a win is more than achievable against Wolves in our Premier League opener.
Manchester United were given one setback ahead of the game against Wolves as new signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has been nursing a minor back injury, is not yet fit to make his debut. The manager must decide whether to start Marcus Rashford through the centre or play Jadon Sancho as a false 9.
Even though we’re talking about the first game of the season, United have a long injury list that includes Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson. The vast majority of Old Trafford will hope that list doesn’t grow on Monday night.
Ten Hag is expected to hand out two debuts to Andre Onana and Mason Mount, after joining from Inter Milan and Chelsea respectively.
Wolves, meanwhile, have endured a tough summer. Julen Lopetegui has left the club and there has been minimal incomings as they gear up for a testing start to life under Gary O’Neil.
O’Neill kept Bournemouth up last season but the Cherries did lose both meetings with United – 3-0 at Old Trafford and 1-0 on the south coast. Furthermore, United beat the Black Cats 2-0 back in May, and a repeat is likely in game week 1 of the new Premier League campaign.
The likes of Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Diego Costa, Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho have all left the club over the summer – and their fans, as well as former manager, have been left frustrated by that. I fully expect United to get their first win of the season on Monday night.
Stretty News prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves.
First goalscorer: Marcus Rashford.
Check out the Stretty News predicted XI to face Wolves here.
Match facts
- Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in 7 of their last 9 matches against Wolves.
- The Reds are on a four-match win streak in the Premier League.
How to follow the game
Monday’s match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Stretty News will be providing match day coverage throughout the night – as well as updates from the two protests (anti-Glazer & against Mason Greenwood’s potential reintegration) taking place before the game.
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