The Red Devils have their sights set on a perfect start to the new season against a confused opponent

newsweekAugust 13, 2023

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MANCHESTER UNITED welcome Wolves to Old Trafford as the 2023/24 Premier League opens.

The Red Devils have had a muted pre-season after comfortably beating Community Shield winners Arsenal and French club Lens.

Manchester United resume work on MondayPhoto credit: Getty

Gary O'Neil will take charge of his first game as Wolves manager at Old Trafford following his appointment this weekPhoto credit: Getty

But between these results, Erik ten Hag's men lost three games.

The season is up, however, as United are aiming for a successful start to the new season and keen to prove their point.

The Manchester club looked a lot better last season but want to show again that they can compete with the greats and fight for the title.

They start the new season hosting the Wolves, who are trying to stabilize the ship after Julen Lopetegui's surprise departure this week.

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The Midlands club have announced former Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil as the new manager at Molineux.

The 40-year-old will face the difficult task of toppling Ten Hag's side on Monday night while trying to make the most of the infamous ‘new manager leap'.

However, he will have a lot to worry about as Wolves lose star Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal this summer, along with a whole host of other players who left the club during that time.

Man United, on the other hand, made big investments to improve on last season's third-place finish in the Premier League.

Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund have all entered the gates at Old Trafford, with the latter unavailable for Monday's game.

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Man United have had a mixed record in pre-season but are drawing confidence from a strong finish to last season's league campaign, where they recorded four straight wins to secure Champions League football.

The Wolves' pre-season, on the other hand, has been remarkably solid despite their management issues.

They are unbeaten in all their warm-up games and even managed a surprise 1-0 win over Portuguese giants Porto.

What's new about the team and which injuries are worrisome?

Erik ten Hag has to start the 2023/24 season without Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) and Tyrell Malacia (muscular).

Hojlund, the summer's mega-signing, is also unavailable as he picked up a “little problem” during his pre-season training at former club Atalanta.

Rasmus Hojlund is officially a Manchester United playerPhoto credit: Getty

However, France's Anthony Martial should be ready to return after suffering a muscle injury.

Meanwhile, all signs are positive for Wolves boss Gary O'Neil as the quartet of Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina, Sasa Kalajdzic and Chiquinho should be available for the tough test at Old Trafford.

Who will the star men be?

Marcus Rashford was Man Utd's standout player last season and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were their star again.

He scored 17 goals in the Premier League last season and is expected to be a regular goal this season too.

As for Wolves, they are on the hunt for a new star after selling club captain Neves this summer.

Matheus Cunha has completed his permanent move from Atletico Madrid for £44million after being loaned to Molineux last season.

New coach O'Neil will be hoping to make the most of his mega buck as he looks to pull off a surprise win in his first game as coach.

What did the managers say?

Erik ten Hag raves about new signing Mason Mount ahead of his likely competitive debut for the club.

He said in a recent interview: “I am sure he will contribute to United's success because he is a quality player.”

SunSport Prediction

Manchester United will look to impress their home fans on opening day against a Wolves side who barely had time to calm down when Julen Lopetegui departed.

Gary O'Neil could find it too difficult to organize his new squad in time for a great result and United should prove comfortable winners.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves

When is Man Utd vs Wolves held?

Manchester United's opening Premier League game against Wolves is taking place on Monday 14 August.
The launch is scheduled for 8pm BST.
Old Trafford in Manchester is the dedicated arena for this big game and has a capacity of approximately 74,310 fans.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho gave the Red Devils a 2-0 win in their last meeting in May.

What TV channel is it on and can it be streamed live?

Manchester United vs Wolves will be broadcast LIVE At Sky Sports Main Event And premier league In the United Kingdom.
Coverage is scheduled to begin on both channels from 18:30 BST – an hour and a half before kick-off.
Fans can also stream the game via NOW TV.
Alternatively, SunSport will provide up-to-the-minute coverage of all the action, including preparation and post-game reaction.