Match Overview

Manchester United welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture of real mid-season importance. United are targeting a steadying home performance after mixed results but strong attacking output, while Wolves arrive looking to halt a difficult run. The reverse meeting on December 8 ended 4-1 to United, with the hosts winning key moments through quick transitions. Both sides must balance recent form with availability concerns as they look to close out the year on a positive note.

• Fixture: Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Old Trafford
• Date: 30-12-2025
• Kickoff: 20:15 GMT / 20:15 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United

• S. Lammens
• L. Shaw
• L. Yoro
• Diogo Dalot
• P. Dorgu
• M. Mount
• Casemiro
• M. Ugarte
• K. Mainoo
• Matheus Cunha
• B. Mbeumo

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• S. Johnstone
• L. Krejci
• S. Bueno
• Toti
• D. Moller Wolfe
• André
• João Gomes
• Fer López
• Y. Mosquera
• J. Strand Larsen
• J. Tchatchoua

Injury & Suspension Report

Manchester United

• M. de Ligt – Back Injury
• K. Mainoo – Calf Injury
• H. Maguire – Hamstring Injury
• A. D iallo – International duty
• B. Mbeumo – International duty
• N. Mazraoui – International duty
• Bruno Fernandes – Thigh Injury

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• D. Bentley – Ankle Injury
• M. Munetsi – Calf Injury
• Rodrigo Gomes – Groin Injury
• Toti – Hamstring Injury
• J. Bellegarde – Hamstring Injury
• E. Agbadou – International duty
• T. Chirewa – International duty
• Leon Chiwome – Knee Injury
• André – Yellow Cards

Head-to-Head

Across 99 meetings, Manchester United lead the series with 48 wins to Wolves’ 34, with 17 draws. Recent clashes have tended to be tighter contests, averaging just under 2.5 goals over the last 10, suggesting cautious approaches and fine margins.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Manchester United seek stability at Old Trafford

United’s recent run shows two wins in five but a notable attacking surge with 12 goals, pointing to a side leaning on high-tempo pressing and sharp transitions. At Old Trafford, they have been solid against similarly ranked opponents, typically limiting opponents to around a goal per game while sustaining pressure. The 4-1 win over Wolves on December 8 underlined their ability to strike decisively; the creative burden then was led by Bruno Fernandes, who is now listed with a thigh issue and may not feature, making midfield balance and chance creation a key watch-point.

Wolves seek solutions in the final third

Wolves enter on the back of a difficult patch featuring narrow defeats and limited scoring. Their matches against comparable opponents have often been close, with a negative goal difference hinting that moments at both ends are deciding outcomes. Goalkeeper S. Johnstone has played a pivotal role in keeping them competitive away from home, but the visitors must find a sharper edge in attack to convert tight games into points.

Tactical outlook and key match-ups

Erik ten Hag’s side are set to emphasize counterpressing and quick use of wide channels, with full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw important to territory and supply. Midfield selection will be watched closely: Casemiro, M. Ugarte, M. Mount, and K. Mainoo are all named, though Mainoo is listed with a calf issue. Up front, Matheus Cunha and B. Mbeumo are in the projected XI; Mbeumo’s international duty note adds uncertainty, which could affect United’s pace and direct threat if changes are required.

For Wolves, structural discipline and opportunistic counters remain central. However, the defensive picture is complicated by Toti’s hamstring issue, and midfield availability is flagged by André’s yellow-cards status. If the visitors can compress the central areas around United’s creators and transition quickly through João Gomes and Fer López, they can drag the match toward the lower-scoring trend seen in recent head-to-heads.

Prediction

United’s home control, pressing structure, and the recent 4-1 reference point tilt the balance their way, even with selection caveats. Prediction: Manchester United to win by a single goal.