Manchester United host bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Old Trafford on Tuesday, aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins after a narrow victory over Newcastle. Manager Ruben Amorim has switched to a four-at-the-back formation for the first time, citing the right moment for adaptation despite earlier resistance to external pressure. Wolves remain winless in 18 league games this season.
Manchester United will seek to close out a challenging year positively when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, with kick-off at 20:15 GMT. Following a hard-fought win against Newcastle on Boxing Day—their first victory in eight matches—United aim to build momentum against a Wolves side mired at the foot of the Premier League table.
Ruben Amorim, United's head coach, explained his decision to abandon his preferred three-at-the-back system in favor of a more traditional back four during the Newcastle game. "When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don’t have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," Amorim said. He emphasized that the change was not driven by media or fan pressure, which he believes would undermine his authority: "When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I’m changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager." The shift helped secure United's second clean sheet of the season, though the setup turned defensive late on.
Injuries continue to plague United, with captain Bruno Fernandes ruled out due to a hamstring issue from the December 21 defeat at Aston Villa. "Bruno is already saying he needs to train, but there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves," Amorim confirmed. Mason Mount is a doubt after being substituted at half-time against Newcastle, while Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire remain sidelined. Players like Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are absent on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Amorim may deploy Patrick Dorgu in an advanced role, given his recent contributions to two goals in as many matches. Benjamin Sesko is set to lead the attack, with Matheus Cunha facing his former club.
Wolves, with just two points from 18 games and 16 points from safety, have lost 25 Premier League matches in 2025 and are winless in their last 11 league outings. They have won only one of their final fixtures over the past six calendar years, a 1-0 success at Old Trafford in April. Centre-backs Toti Gomes and Emmanuel Agbadou are unavailable, but Hugo Bueno has returned from injury. Jorgen Strand Larsen struggles for form, potentially paving the way for Tolu Arokodare to partner Mateus Mane up front.
United have won eight of the last 11 meetings with Wolves, including a 4-1 triumph at Molineux earlier this month. Despite Wolves' woes, their history at Old Trafford offers a cautionary note for the hosts, who have lost their year-ending league game in each of the past two seasons.
