Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Football Prediction: The Red Devils Get Warmed Up

Manchester United's first match of the 2023/2024 Premier League season is a home game against Wolverhampton. Facing an opponent who struggled to avoid relegation last season, the Red Devils are expected to secure three points for a promising start.

Manchester United showed acceptable form during the pre-season friendlies. The defeats against Dortmund and Real Madrid don't fully reflect the team's true strength. Overall, Man Utd continued the performance they showed last season. The challenge for manager Erik ten Hag now is to help the new signings integrate as quickly as possible.

Manchester United are still in a rebuilding phase. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, Rasmus Hoijlund – their latest signing – is unable to make his debut due to a back injury. Only Andre Onana and Mason Mount are available to play for their new team tonight.

In such circumstances, manager Erik ten Hag is unlikely to make any changes to what is considered Manchester United's strongest lineup from last season. The back four will remain Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Diogo Dalot. Mount could replace Christian Eriksen in midfield to increase Manchester United's ball circulation and counter-attacking speed. Marcus Rashford will still have to play as the central striker.

Perhaps the most significant difference for Man Utd is Andre Onana. His ball-handling skills with his feet are superior to those of David de Gea. Furthermore, Onana's confidence and skill in pushing further forward from the penalty area during the build-up phase provide additional options for attacking play from their own half – something Man Utd lacked last season.

On the other side of the pitch, Wolverhampton are going through a difficult period after unexpectedly parting ways with manager Julen Lopetegui just days before the start of the season. This upheaval could significantly impact the visitors' performance.

The reason for manager Lopetegui's departure from Wolverhampton is also a cause for concern for the club's fans. They experienced a transfer window without many notable new signings, while parting ways with several key players, particularly Ruben Neves. Wolverhampton faces many difficulties.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-1 Wolverhampton.

Predicted lineups for Man Utd vs Wolverhampton

Man Utd: Onana, Shaw, Martinez, Varane, Dalot, Mount, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Antony, Rashford.

Wolverhampton: Jose Sa, Ait Nouri, Kilman, Dawson, Semedo, Hodge, Lemina, Nunes, Podence, Matheus Cunha, Neto.