Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
It’s interesting that both Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers each come into this match with so much positivity considering their last Premier League outings ended in failure. However, it’s with good reason.
Wolves may have lost 2-1 to Liverpool, but it was a very tough encounter and for a long time, they looked like they could be one of the rare few capable of denying the Premier League leaders points. Considering that, and their dual wins over Manchester City this season, their position as potential giant killers remains in tact.
United also managed to rebound from losses against Liverpool and Burnley with a 1-0 win in the second leg of the EFL Cup. They lost 3-2 overall but winning that leg, alongside their solid performance, does feel like it’s given United new reasons to be optimistic. With that said, neither of these sides can live off optimism alone, and only one can walk away with three points.
Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction: Man United 1-0 Wolves
This is a very tough one to call. Both Wolves and United have impressed in recent performances, but have all too often failed to pull the trigger. United started the year with a trio of losses. Wolves, on the other hand, would be heading into this match without a win in seven games were it not for their tight victory over Southampton.
On balance, we give a slight edge to United for the potential they’ve shown, alongside a slightly better record. Although, we want to emphasise again that there really isn’t much in it and we almost went with a draw. However, after much thought, our scoreline prediction is 1-0 to United.
Our recommended tip: Manchester United win to nil
Considering just how closely matched we expect this to be, this might seem like an odd recommended tip. However, we don’t think that is the case when you factor in the dynamic between United and Wolves, alongside the home side’s style of winning games. Their last two fixtures ended in our predicted scoreline and a goalless draw, meaning we don’t expect a high scoring game here. On top of that, Man United’s last five victories were with a clean sheet. If you’re interested in placing this wager, Unibet are offering competitive 5/2 odds on this outcome.
Previous matches
We mentioned the last couple of games being close and that has been a recent trend for even longer than those two encounters. They faced each other for the first time in five years in 2018 in a draw. Since then, they’ve gone to a stalemate twice and traded wins by a single goal since. Only one 2-0 win by Wolves in April 2019 breaks this pattern, and we suppose gives them an ever so slight historical edge – at least in games modern enough to be relevant. Although, United do retain an overall statistical advantage, even if some of those games come from a time they were known as Newton Heath.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: David de Gea & Raúl Jiménez
Manchester United: David de Gea
You may have expected a striker to take prime position here. Although there was serious consideration in that regard, we think the man most pivotal to our predictions and how we think this match will play out is David de Gea. He silenced his critics with a sensational performance in that clash against Manchester City. He’s the last line of defence, and we think his strengths could be United’s edge here.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Raúl Jiménez
While there has been plenty of spectacular supporting characters – with the brilliant Adama Traoré coming to mind – the star of the show for Wolves in the last couple of games has no doubt been Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez. His two goals followed Neto to see a comeback victory against Southampton, and he nearly snatched a point from the seemingly invincible Liverpool. He could once again by the difference maker here.
