Manchester United host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first fixture of the new calendar as the Red Devils aim to gain consistent results to challenge for a top-four spot over the remainder of the campaign. A relatively improved performance against Burnley last week saw Ralf Rangnick’s side deliver a promising glimpse into the future. However, much remains to be desired of the German’s side, who have failed to build upon notable displays throughout the ongoing campaign.

Following their victory against the Clarets, United have now moved within 4 points of fourth-placed Arsenal. With the race for Europe only set to grow more challenging, Rangnick will be keen on building upon the team’s win against Burnley into a string of positive results over the coming weeks.

With changes to the starting line-up last week having paid off, the German manager is expected to field a similar XI on Monday barring a few changes. Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the starting eleven after serving his suspension, while both Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani could miss out given the proximity between fixtures. Paul Pogba remains the only absentee, with Raphael Varane amongst those likely to regain their place in the line-up against Wolves on Monday.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Having delivered a passive, yet improved performance last week, Rangnick will be hoping to explore new approaches over the coming weeks. While the team continued to display elements characteristic of the previous management, United are starting to look relatively cohesive and clinical as they prepare to challenge for top-four.

Rangnick will be keen on instilling his philosophy over the remainder of the campaign as the team is yet to gauge the new manager’s modus operandi. United are, yet again, expected to adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation as they search for consistent results amidst the pressure of losing out on top-four heading into the second half of the season.

Goalkeeper:

David De Gea (GK) – David de Gea remains the foremost name on the team-sheet for Manchester United against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. The Spaniard has been the team’s most consistent player this season and is expected to be involved in the majority of United’s games over the remainder of the campaign.

Defenders:

Diogo Dalot (RB) – Granted rest against Burnley, Dalot is expected to regain his starting spot against Wolves with AWB failing to impress last week. The right-back has been pivotal to the team’s improving results in recent weeks and will be hoping to continue improving his performances going forward.

Raphael Varane (RCB) – The team’s most crucial and reliable centre-back, Varane is expected to slot in at centre-back after being granted rest against Burnley. Although the Frenchman has shown signs of vulnerability since returning from injury, he will be hoping to regain his form with United heading into a crucial set of fixtures.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – Arguably, the team’s weakest link in defence, Maguire is looking to redeem himself over the remainder of the campaign. The United captain continues to deliver underwhelming performances. However, with a lack of competitors for his position, he remains the team’s only option for the immediate future.

Alex Telles (LB) – Although Luke Shaw delivered another promising performance against Burnley, Telles is expected to regain his spot against Wolves. With the battle for the left-back spot expected to grow intriguing over the coming weeks, the Brazilian will be hoping to cement his spot in the backline amidst promising performances from his challenger.

Midfielders:

Scott McTominay (CM) – The team’s most consistent performer against the Clarets, McTominay has emerged as a vital part of Rangnick’s plans in the past few weeks. With very few challengers for his position, the Scotsman will be keen on improving his tally of consistent performances and output heading into a pivotal period of fixtures.

Fred (CM) – Fred is expected to return to the line-up after missing out on Sunday’s game. Moreover, United’s lack of personnel in the position. With the pressure for results set to soar over the coming weeks, the Brazilian will be keen on improving his displays and finding consistency ahead of a mouth-watering race for top-four.

Jadon Sancho (RAM) – Amongst the promising performers from last week, Sancho will be hoping to improve his output over the coming weeks. With severe competition for places across the attacking positions, the youngster will be keen on delivering significant contributions to cement his place in the first team.

Bruno Fernandes (LAM) – Expected to return to the line-up, Fernandes will be hoping to deliver a disciplined performance on Monday. With the team in desperate need to produce controlled and calculative displays, the Portuguese will be keen on avoiding being an impediment to the team’s progress moving forward.

Read More:

• Exceptional McTominay, Ronaldo Steps Up and More | How the United Player Fared Against Burnley
• Manchester United Preparing for the Exodus of Five Major Players in January
• Manchester United Targeting Three Players Earmarked by Ralf Rangnick to Solve Their Midfield Woes

Forwards:

Cristiano Ronaldo (RF) – One of the most important parts of United’s rebuild, Ronaldo will be keen on improving his goal tally over the coming weeks. The Portuguese has, hitherto, remained a vital part of Rangnick’s system and will be hoping to contribute to the team’s aim for consistent results heading in the latter stages of the campaign.

Edinson Cavani (LF) – Having delivered a vital performance last week, the Uruguayan is likely to retain his position in the starting eleven. Cavani will be hoping to contribute to the team’s requirements over the remainder of the campaign to secure a top-four spot.

Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

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