Manchester United will aim to secure consecutive Premier League victories this evening as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford, but manager Ruben Amorim continues to grapple with a significant injury and absence crisis.
Injury and Absence Woes Mount for Red Devils
The mood at Carrington is one of cautious optimism following a gritty 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. However, that positive result is overshadowed by a lengthy list of unavailable players. The club remains without several key figures due to the Africa Cup of Nations, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui all away on international duty in Morocco.
Furthermore, hopes of defensive reinforcements have been dashed. Amorim confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire will not be ready to return, despite earlier speculation. The manager's update was equally bleak regarding his midfield and attack.
‘Bruno was already saying that he needs to train, but we don’t know,’ Amorim stated. ‘No chance he is going to play against Wolves, no chance. Kobbie Mainoo is going to start on the [training] pitch also, so we will see. Matthijs is struggling a little bit. Harry the same thing.’
He summarised the situation bluntly: ‘I think Kobbie is not going to be ready. Bruno is not going to be ready. I think Matt is not going to be ready. Harry is not going to be ready. So, I think we are not going to have more players.’
Predicted Manchester United Lineup and Tactics
Amorim switched to a 4-3-3 formation against Newcastle and may persist with that system against a Wolves side languishing at the bottom of the table without a league win this season. The major doubt lies in midfield, where Mason Mount was substituted at half-time last time out with a muscle problem.
If Mount is deemed unfit to start, Jack Fletcher – who replaced him at the interval against Newcastle – could be handed a start alongside Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro in the engine room. An alternative approach could see Amorim revert to his favoured 3-4-2-1 shape, potentially offering a rare start to Joshua Zirkzee in a number ten role or as part of a front three with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
In defence, Lisandro Martinez successfully navigated his first start since a long injury lay-off but may be managed carefully, with Leny Yoro a likely candidate to come into the side if the Argentine is rested.
How to Watch Man Utd vs Wolves
The Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Wolves kicks off at 8.15pm on Tuesday 30 December. The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or through a NOW TV pass.
