Wolves v Man Utd Prediction: Joshua Jones gives us three tips for Sunday's game at Molineux
Wolves managed their first goals of the season in a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup in midweek and will hope to put back-to-back 1-0 Premier League losses behind them when they welcome Manchester United to Molineux on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils were able to enjoy a week off as they weren’t in cup action, though they will have been reflecting on dropped points after their drab 1-1 draw at Southampton. Solskjaer's side simply couldn’t find that extra gear to see them past their resolute opponents, though the Saints came close to nicking a winner themselves through Adam Armstrong. United now know that they simply cannot afford to drop points, especially against a side that doesn’t have any yet this season.
Wolves will be looking to use United to kickstart the Bruno Lage era in the Midlands, and could welcome enigmatic winger Daniel Podence back to the starting line-up. The Portuguese forward has been absent since undergoing groin surgery in May, after muscle injuries plagued his 2020/21 campaign.
Wolves picked up 34 points in the 22 games he started last season (1.55 per game), compared to just 11 in the 16 he didn’t (0.69 per game). Podence returned with a goal in his hour-long cameo against Forest, and could be the catalyst his side need on Sunday.
However, while Wolves will be looking to welcome a player back from injury, United will be looking to introduce a player for the very first time. After being (officially) announced before their 5-1 rout of Leeds at Old Trafford and watching their draw on the south coast from the bench, Raphael Varane looks set to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence for the very first time.
Joining for £36m from Real Madrid this summer, the 28-year-old has been tipped by some to be the missing piece for the Red Devils to mount a title challenge - though most would be a little tentative about that.
There is still a glaring hole in the middle of the field for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, one that is exacerbated by Scott McTominay now undergoing groin surgery, which leaves them with Fred, Nemanja Matic, and ‘left-winger’ Paul Pogba as their defensive midfield options. It was the first two in that list that operated a static, and frankly stagnant, midfield against Southampton and it’s not one they can realistically challenge for the title with.
Rumours are that they’ll up their pursuit for a midfielder with the transfer deadline on the horizon, but the likelihood is that they’ll recall Andreas Pereira from Flamengo for additional cover.
It’s not all bad news though, as £73m-man Jadon Sancho could make his first competitive start for the club - having featured from the bench in their opening two league games. The England international bagged eight goals and registered 11 assists in 24 Bundesliga starts last season, and will be keen to register his first attacking contributions in the Premier League.
Wolves v Man Utd Tips
Wolves v Man Utd Odds
Hear me out. While Wolves haven’t scored yet in the Premier League this season, it hasn’t been for lack of trying. Bruno Lage’s side have attempted the 2nd most shots in the league (42) and remain the only side to have taken more than 30 shots without scoring. The other sides to manage 30+ attempts in two games have averaged 5.5 goals each. The shackles are certainly off for their attacking players, and Sunday could be the day it pays dividends.
Taking charge of this one is everyone’s favourite referee, Mike Dean. Now, if there’s one thing Mike Dean doesn’t *really* do, it’s book Manchester United players. He hasn’t shown the Reds more cards than their opponents in any of the last 10 league games he’s officiated, and has shown their opponents most cards on seven occasions (with three ties). Even with Adama Traore, Wolves aren’t drawing many fouls. They have conceded 19 and suffered just 13 in their two fixtures this season, whilst United have committed 20 and have seen their players upended 21 times, according to FBref.
While we’re on the topic of Mike Dean, it’s hardly a well kept secret that he’s partial to a penalty. In fact, since ‘Project Restart’ he’s given 15 penalties in just 32 games. In that time, he’s taken charge of seven Manchester United games and awarded them four penalties (plus two for their opponents). A penalty to be awarded might be safer at 11/5 but getting 7/1 on Bruno to score one, considering he’s bagged 21 of the 22 he’s taken, feels like nice value.
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