Manchester United Set to Extend Wolves' Misery in Old Trafford Boxing Day Clash

Manchester United will look to maintain their recent momentum when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, bidding to conclude 2025 with consecutive Premier League victories.

The Red Devils claimed a narrow win over Newcastle on Boxing Day courtesy of Patrick Dorgu's brilliant volley, marking their second clean sheet of the league campaign. Despite operating at some distance from their fluid best, Ruben Amorim's outfit proved resilient, particularly after switching to a back-four formation that ceded possession yet held firm when it mattered.

The turnaround at Old Trafford has been marked, with Amorim engineering five wins from his last eight home league fixtures—a stark improvement on a run of just four victories in his opening 14. The shift in atmosphere reflects this upward trajectory, even as squad complications continue to plague the manager's plans.

Wolves, by contrast, find themselves in a desperate position. Winless across 18 Premier League matches this season and a whopping 16 points adrift of safety, the Midlands club have now surrendered 11 straight league contests. Relegation looms increasingly inevitable for Rob Edwards' beleaguered outfit.

The recent record between these sides tells its own story. United have claimed eight of the last 11 encounters, including a commanding 4-1 demolition at Molineux earlier this month. Against the division's most porous defence, another United victory appears entirely predictable.

Team News

United's injury list remains unwieldy. Bruno Fernandes continues his absence, whilst Mason Mount is a serious doubt following his first-half withdrawal against Newcastle. The club are also without Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire, with Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui still occupied at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Dorgu, however, is set to retain his place after an eye-catching Newcastle display. The midfielder has now registered direct involvement in two goals across consecutive matches and should continue operating as a support player alongside Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

Wolves continue wrestling with defensive absences, missing Toti Gomes and Emmanuel Agbadou. Additional absentees include Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Marshall Munetsi, Daniel Bentley, and Tawanda Chirewa. Hugo Bueno has returned to availability.

With Jorgen Strand Larsen misfiring, Tolu Arokodare could lead the line alongside 18-year-old Mateus Mane as Wolves desperately seek attacking solutions.

Expected Lineups

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Martinez; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Shaw; Dorgu, Cunha; Sesko

Wolves (4-3-3): Sa; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; Doherty, J. Gomes, Andre, H. Bueno; Hwang, Mane; Arokodare

The Prediction

United should possess sufficient quality to secure all three points, though their defensive vulnerabilities suggest Wolves will trouble the scoreline. Amorim's defence has looked perpetually unsettled this season, and clean sheets have remained frustratingly elusive even in matches United have controlled.

Wolves may be perennially losing, yet Edwards' side have occasionally competed in stretches and should manufacture chances against a United backline that rarely appears settled. Backing United to win whilst both teams score offers sensible value as a middle option.

The pattern across both sides' campaigns points towards goals aplenty. United's fixtures rarely conclude tightly contested, whilst Wolves' leaky defence continues surrendering opportunities in abundance. Over 2.5 goals aligns neatly with how these teams have operated throughout the season.

Kick-off Details

The match commences at 20:15 (UK time) on Tuesday at Old Trafford, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Football.