[4-2-3-1]: Casemiro replaced Mainoo, Rashford and Garnacho returns but positions changed- Manchester United predicted lineups vs Wolverhampton as Ruben Amorim confirms he has returned to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s
Manchester United find themselves in unfamiliar territory this festive season, languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, a position they haven’t occupied during Christmas since the 1989/90 season.
As they prepare to face Wolves at Molineux Stadium on December 26, the pressure mounts on manager Ruben Amorim after a series of disappointing results.
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been far from smooth, with the team suffering four defeats under his leadership. The recent 3-0 thrashing by Bournemouth highlighted United’s defensive frailties, leaving them 17 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. As they spend Christmas in the 13th spot, the match against Wolves presents a crucial opportunity for United to regain some much-needed confidence and climb up the table.
Team News and Expected Line-ups
Wolves are likely to welcome back Mario Lemina, who missed the last match due to a calf issue. Pereira is expected to stick with the same starting lineup that performed exceptionally against Leicester. Manchester United, however, face selection dilemmas.
Marcus Rashford may remain sidelined as speculation over his future at the club continues. Matthijs de Ligt could make a return after missing the Bournemouth match due to illness, although injuries to Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof persist, limiting Amorim’s options.
Predicted lineup
Rashford has been left out for the last three matches, with Amorim recently questioning the forward’s decision to give an interview after he was dropped for the Manchester derby.
Asked after United’s heavy defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday whether Rashford could return to face Wolves, Amorim said: “It depends, we will see.”
Rashford is unlikely to start, even if he does come back into the squad. Rasmus Hojlund is to return to the starting lineup, after Joshua Zirkzee again failed to impress against Bournemouth.
Amorim could opt to make changes in midfield after a poor display last time out, with Casemiro an option to come in having not featured much in recent weeks and Kobbie Mainoo largely struggling for form.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to recover from illness and could start in the back three, with Leny Yoro also in contention to feature.
Harry Maguire is the most likely to drop to the bench, while Noussair Mazraoui should return to his preferred wing-back role.
Predicted Man United XI (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Amad; Hojlund
Injured: Shaw, Lindelof, Mount
Doubt: De Ligt
Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Thursday December 26, 2024
TV channel: Amazon Prime
Venue: Molineux
