Manchester United go into their next match against Wolves with plenty of positivity. They have won 3 away matches on the bounce, after their Old Trafford defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. Things look to be heading in the right direction for United as they seem to have hit a purple patch.
As for Wolves, they have proved to be a formidable force to overcome on their return to Premier League. They have combined a club with great footballing values and some quality players. The results they have achieved so far are reflective of the successful combination. Wolves managed to hold Manchester City to a 1-1 draw followed by 2 successive wins.
As the two teams go head to head, it is expected to be a wonderful football match. Here, we take a look at the best possible Manchester United line-up to face Wolves on Saturday:
Goalkeeper and Defenders
David De Gea
Jose Mourinho may have been given headaches about certain positions and the proper personnel to fill those positions. However, the only undisputed position in the team is David De Gea’s between the posts. The ever-present Spaniard has made the number 1 spot his and is expected to keep it.
Antonio Valencia
Having been rested for the tie against Young Boys, Valencia is expected to come back into the team. Mourinho cited a weak knee and the artificial turf as reasons for the Ecuadorian’s absence.
Chris Smalling
At the start of the Premier League, the United defense looked shaky as they let the ball cross their goal line an unacceptable 7 times in just 3 matches. However, with the introduction of Smalling, the defense has conceded only once. He was recently praised by Jose Mourinho and is expected to start against Wolves.
Victor Lindelöf
Victor Lindelöf endured a tough first season at United, but he seems to have found his form this season. He has started all 5 Premier League matches and the Champions League opener against Young Boys. He seems to have turned himself into a first-team regular, especially with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo out with injuries.
Luke Shaw
Having missed just the Watford game due to a head injury, Luke Shaw has been a mainstay in the first team. He seems to have rediscovered the player United thought they were investing in when buying from Southampton. He is expected to start ahead of Ashley Young in spite of playing the mid-week game against Young Boys.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba
The conclusion that one can draw from all the media reports is that Pogba is in an ugly situation at Manchester United. But, with recent reports and press conferences, both Pogba and Jose Mourinho seems to have buried the hatchet and decided to get on with their jobs. Pogba has put in some stellar performances for United in the last three matches and is expected to play and continue his fine form.
Marouane Fellaini
Much of the solidity achieved by United in respect to their defense could be attributed to Marouane Fellaini’s defensive cover. His physical presence coupled with his set-piece threat has rendered him indispensable to Jose Mourinho
Fred
With Nemanja Matic suspended, Fred is expected to replace him in the heart of the midfield. He put in a decent performance against Young Boys and has surely given Mourinho reasons to start him against Wolves. His box-to-box nature would definitely be an asset to United when countering the midfielders like Ruben Neves and João Moutinho.
Forwards
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is expected to start the game for Manchester United. He has shown some fine goal-scoring form of late, finding the back of the net on 4 occasions in 5 Premier League outings. He would be looking to continue his fine form against Wolves and add to his tally.
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard was rested for the Champions League opener against Young Boys. He had been an active member of England’s World Cup team. He was rather rushed back into action and warranted some rest. But, having been rested, he is expected to be back in action against Wolves.
Alexis Sánchez
Alexis Sánchez has not been in his best form ever since his move from Arsenal. He is expected to keep his place, though. The suspension of Marcus Rashford and an average performance from Anthony Martial against Young Boys may have helped Alexis’ case.
