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Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Gameweek One, Premier League 2023/24

Preview

Old Trafford, widely recognized as the Theatre of Dreams, sets the stage for a significant event in the English Premier League, as it plays host to Wolverhampton Wanderers under their new manager Gary O'Neil. The match, set for Monday, August 14, 2023, will mark the beginning of a new era for Wolverhampton, while Manchester United look to make a strong start in their second season under Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United

Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United enjoyed success last season with a Champions League podium finish and an EFL Cup triumph. Navigating through ownership uncertainty, Ten Hag managed to consolidate United's defensive prowess, conceding only 10 goals at home.

The preseason was marked by wins and losses, with a victory over Ligue 1's Lens and a draw against Athletic Bilbao capping off their preparations. The Red Devils look forward to their seventh successive Premier League home victory on Monday night.

The only defeat at Old Trafford in the 2022-23 Premier League against Brighton serves as a reminder of challenges ahead, and the team will aim to overcome superstitious fears with a strong performance. Despite losing at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the last season, the Red Devils are expected to start strong, chasing their seventh consecutive Premier League home victory.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

The departure of former manager Julen Lopetegui has left Wolves in disarray, with ex-Bournemouth coach Gary O'Neil stepping in. Despite an unbeaten run in friendly games, the team's poor away performance last season, including a 2-0 loss to Man United, dampens expectations for an upset.

With only two new first-team signings, O'Neil faces the challenge of adapting quickly to his new squad. The managerial shake-up and a sequence of last season's winless away games set a formidable task for the Midlands side.

Wolverhampton's survival last term, under the constraints of budget and feuds, sets the stage for an intriguing clash against the might of Manchester United.

O'Neil's time with Bournemouth demonstrated his ability to manage under pressure, yet his acclimation to Wolves will be a race against time. Just two new first-team signings, including a return for Matt Doherty, accompanied an unbeaten five-game friendly run. But last season's poor away record, marked by eight winless games and a meager 12 goals, dampens expectations for an upset against United.

Possible Lineups

Manchester United's injury list includes new signing Rasmus Hojlund, along with Kobbie Mainoo, Dean Henderson, Anthony Martial, and others. In contrast, Wolves have a nearly injury-free squad, albeit with significant departures.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford

Wolverhampton Wanderers Possible Starting Lineup: Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Dawson, Ait-Nouri; Nunes, Lemina, Gomes; Sarabia, Cunha, Podence

Prediction